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THE 



HISTORY 



OF 



CHELMSFORD 



FROM ITS ORIGIN IIV 1653, TO THE TEAR 1820 — TO= 

GETHER WITH AN HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 

CHURCH, AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OB 

THE FOUR FIRST PASTORS. 



TO WHICH IS ADDED 
A MEMOIR OF THE P \VV TUCKETT TRIBE OF INDIANS. 

WITH A LARGE APPENDIX. 



BY W I IKES AU.FN, A M. 

Pastor of the Church and Society in Chelmsford. 



Tell ye your ^ildren, and let them tell their Children, and their 
.Children, anot generation. Prophet JocL 

" Majorum gloria posteris lumen est ,•" — Sal. 






18G7. 

HAVERHILL: ^OfW« 

PRINTED BY P. N. GREE>*. 
1820. 






fVl 






<Z7 



Chelmsford, Jan. 12, 1320. 
REV. SIR, 

The Subscriber being appointed Agent for the town oi" 

Chelmsford, to carry into effect a vote, passed May 6, 1819, " to pro- 

jpure the printing of 400 copies of the History of Chelmsford," which they 

'erstand you have lately composed, requests you to accept his cor- 

' anks on their behalf, for tin unwearied attention and labor you 

••towed upon the collection of their history, and to favor him with. 

-°t J 1 the same for the f>ress. 

With due respect, yours &c. CYRUS BALDWIN. 
Jxlv. WILKES ALLEN. 



Chelmsford, Jan. 20. 1820. 

DEAR SIR, 

The attention of the town to its History, and the ia- 
terest they have expressed in its preservation and transmission to pos- 
terity, are no less honorable to them, than grateful to the subscriber — 
As a testimony of his respect for them and an expression of his regard 
for their posterity, he commits the History written for them, to their 
agent for publication agreeably to his request. 

With sentiments of respect, yours &c. WILKES ALLEN. 

CYRUS BALDWIN, ESQ. 



Preface. 

It is a duty, which men owe to their posterity, tc 
transmit the knowledge of their ancestors. Minute 
and circumstantial accounts of our friends, fathers 
and progenitors acquire an interest in our feelings 
and impart a joy to our hearts, which the stranger 
inteimeddleth not with. 

Under this impression the following history has 
been written with a minuteness and particularity, 
admisibie only in local and private histories, design- 
ed for family connections and friends. It has been 
the great object of the author to state facts with 
chronological accuracy ; lhathe might furnish au- 
thentic documents for the future historian. He has 
given to the whole the form of Annals, that it might 
be more convenient as a book of reference. 

He tenders his thanks to Maj. Nathaniel How^ 
ard,TownClerk, iorhis assiduous attentions in ac- 
commodating him with the records and documents 
tinder his care ; to many individuals for the use of 
then- family records and private papers ; particular 
h to Mr. John Farmer of Amherst, N. H. a nat i ve 
of this town, for kindly furnishing him with sundry 
articles of importance to this work. 

He also deems it a tribute justly due to these* 
retarj of the Commonwealth, Alden Bradford, Esq, 



PREFACE. 

and to the other gentlemen, employed in the secre- 
tary's office, to acknowledge with gratitude their 
kind attentions and civilities in furnishing him with 
such papers and records, relating to the origin and 
first settlement of the town, as are deposited m that 
office. WILKES ALLEN. 

Chelmsford, Jan. 12, 1820. 



THIS VOLUME 
Is most respectfully dedicated to the inhabitants 
of the town of CHELMSFORD, with the best wish- 
es of the Author for their growing prosperity. 



HISTORYOF CHELMSFORD. 



k v*Sfc.xSXixS.\fcR.<.* ' 



INTRODUCTION 



THERE is a sublime pleasure in tracing the 
footsteps of past existence, in walking over the 
gr Hind, cultivated by former generations, in review- 
ing the records of their deeds, and in examining the 
monuments of their industry, wisdom and piety. — 
In these acts we seem to become familiarly acquain- 
ted with those, whose voices and countenances are 
unknown to us, and feel interested in those scenes, 
which once engaged their active spirits and excited 
their liveliest interest. 

The propensity, so strong and universal, to dwell 
upon the virtues of ancestry, finds ample gratifica- 
tion in the learning and piety, patience and fortitude 
of the firs* settlers of Massachusetts ; the leading 
features ot whose character were visible tor many 
years in the inhabitants oi this town. 

The unmolested enjoyment of religious worship 
and ordinances in their primitive purity, winch was 
their leading object in visiting and subduing this 
■wilderness, was constantly kept in view and made 
the governing principle of their conduct. Agreea- 
blv Mr. Higgimonin his Election sermon 1663 ob- 
serves, "that it concerneth New-England always to 
remember, that they are a plantation religious, not 



commercial. The profession of pure doctrine, wor- 
ship and discipline is written upon her forehead. — 
Worldly gain was not the end and design of the peo- 
ple of New-England, but religion. If then any man 
among us make religion as twelve and the world as 
thirteen, such an one hath not the spirit of a true 
New-England man.' 



OR1GIJV. 



WE are pleased to find that the ear- 
ly inhabitants of this town bore a strong resem- 
blance to their pious ancestors. About twenty per- 
sons from Woburn and Concord at the last session of 
the General Court in 1652, petitioned for liberty to 
examine a tract of land, " lying on the other side 
(west) of Concord river. The Court accepted and 
granted their request. Having by a joint committee 
examined and viewed the aforesaid tract of land, 
and having also found sundry others, to the number 
of thirty nine in all, desirous of uniting with them in 
■, r ro erecting a new plantation, they jointly pe- 
titioned the legislature for a grant of land,* 
t bordering upon the river Merrimack, near to Paw- 
tuckett.'t They stated that, there was a very ' com- 
fortable place to accommodate a company of God's 
people upon, who may with God's hlessing do good 
in that place for church and state.' They request- 
ed that the said tract of land might ' begin on Mer- 
rimack river at a neck of land next to Concord river, 
and so to run up by said river south and west into 
the country to make up a quantity of six miles 
square.' 

About the same time a petition was presented to 

* See Appendix No. 1. 
t This word i a speli by modern writers Pentucket. Pantucket, anil 
jpa'ucket— I have followed Gookin and other ancient writers, who doubt 
Jess had tut right spelling. 



'9 

the Legislature, by Rev. John Eliot, of Rox»>tirf 9 - 
agent and trustee {'or the Indians, for a grant of landj 
lying about Pavvtuckctt and Wamesit falls, to be ap- 
propriated to the sole and exclusive use of the tribe 
inhabiting thereabouts. This land, called the 'great 
neck,' wa-ithe principal habitation of the Pawtuck- 
etts, once the rnost powerful tribe north of the Mas- 
sachusetts. Hove they had erected wigwam?, and 
broken up land for planting. 

The 'court' therefore, taking into consideration 

both petitions, directed both an Indian and 

16.53 English plantation to be laid out ; and that 

the request of the petitioners from V\ oburn 

and Concord should be granted, except some part of 

the tract petitioned for, lying on Merrimack river. 

It was made a condition of this grant, that with- 
in two years of the date of the act, they should set- 
tle a competent number of families on it, twenty or 
more being so considered, that they might be in a 
capacity to enjoy all the ordinances of God. 

Capt. Willard of Concord and Capt. Johnson of 
Woburn were appointed to lay out the plantation 
or township.* 

It is difficult at this day to ascertain the original 
boundaries between the Indian and English planta- 
tions. But from a plot of them, presented to t\ie 
court in 1656 and found among the original papers on 
file in the secretary's office, and from the documents 
subjoined at the end of this work it appears that 
the original grant for Chelmsford did not extend to 
Merrimack river on the north cast, and barely cor- 
nered on Concord river on the south east. 

The plantation, constituting original Chelmsford, 
was in the form of a parallelogram or oblong square. ■ 

1653.— The first person born in town was Josef h Parker,son of Joseph 
and Margaret Parker, March 30. Tradition. 
* See No. 2 Appendix. 



it was bounded ,on the north by a straight line, be-'- 
ginning at the gl tss manufactory and running to t!ie 
house of Benj. Osgood, Esq. oi* Wcstford. On the 
^outh west by-Xadmuck Swamp, and on the south 
east by a straight line, beginning at Pawtuckett stake, 
so called, by the side of Concord river at a point 
where Billerica, Chelmsford and Pawtuckett, or 
"Waniesit meet, and running south west 43 (\es;. to 
the aforesaid J£admuck swamp. On the northeast 
by Pawtuckett or Wamesit, for winch see No. 5, In- 
dex. 

The plantation thus granted May 1 8, 1653 and 
laid out in June following, was occupied within 18 
months bv a sufficient number of people to .render 
ft expedient to call a general meeting for the choice 
of officers * to manage the public affairs of the place * 
This meeting was holden on the 22d Nov. 1654 at 
which the following persons were chosen int~> office, 
v i z: — Esdras Reed, Edward Spalding, William 
Fletcher, Isaac Learned, Simon Thompson, William 
Underwood and Thomas Adams. 

Their early and liberal provision for the establish- 
ment and maintenance of religious worship and in- 
struction, is worthy of special notice. A; their first 
public meeting, measures were adopted for support- 
ing a settled minister, the Rev. Mi. Fiske oi Wen- 
ham, who had already removed or was about re- 
moving to this plantation. All that could be done 
in their circumstanc s, they seemed willing to do. — 
They agreed to give him " thirty acres of meadow 
and thirty acres of arable land, for his convenience ; 
to build him a house thirty eight feet long and twenty 
feet wide, with three fire places and chimnies, built 
of brick or stone ; to pay him fifty pounds sterling 
for the first year, and his maintenance for the fu- 
ture as the Lord should enable them." 



11 

Place of first Public Meeting. 

The first meeting was hoklen at William Fletch- 
er's house, 22d mut'i month, 105 1. This house 
stood a fesv rods to the east of the house now occu- 
pied by Mr. William Fletcher, and his brother Cap*. 
Josiah Fletcher, descendants of the aforesaid W m. 
Fletcher, whose posterity have successively occu- 
pied the same premises. 

Second Meeting— 1655. 

The next Public Meeting was dated* ' Month 1st, 
day 21' i. e. M arch 24, 1655. At this meeting they 
adopted measures for t he more regular and method- 
ical transaction of their public affairs in future ' It 
was ordered that the first second day of the first 
month, i. e. the first Monday in March, shall be ob- 
served by all the house-holders ot the town, from 
year to year for the choosing of all annual ojheers, 
belonging to the town, as selectmen or committee, 
Deputy for the Court, three men to end all small 
causes under forty shillings, Surveyors of high ways, 

•The custom of designing the months by numbers, began with tha 
puritan., who affected to ie scripture language .n the comi mnaft irs 
of life Hence insteadof wri 1 tg Jaimary.FCir.ury.&catter the man, ho 
the Greeks and Romans, the iMr.tans wrote month 1st, day 2^ <*c. 01 *5 
day of Lst month. \nd instead of the names of *e days of the weet 
they said first, second &c. day of the week. It is farther to beobser^ 
that the computati m of time from the Christian era was not mtrQ&fced 
till about tUe vear 567. Dionysiua, a Roma.. \Shat "^ introduced the 
reckoning of time from tlie Incarnation of Christ. This was then sup- 
posed to have happened on the 25. h of March ; but it was afterwards de- 
termined to have been on the 2 5th of Due In Ceasar's time the equinox 
Was on the 25th of March, which might be another reason tor beginning 
the year on that day. 

A reform of the callendar. rendered ne< essary by the precession ot the 
equinox, and called the new style, had been made by Gregory 13th m 
1582 ; but was slowly and reluctantly adopted by the protestants, because 
it cattte from the Pope. Hence the practice of using a double date from 
January to March 25, was prevalent until an act of parliament 17o2 hx- 
ed the commencement of the year on the first of January. Thus Feb. 6, 
1656-7 or 1656-57 was in common use from 1582 to 1752 when the NeW 
Style was by act of Parliament adopted. The third day of September 
was now called the fourteenth and all the oilier days ot the year were 
reckoned accordingly. 

B2 



12 

and overseers of the fences and swine. It was nho 
ordered that ?he next meeting should be holden at 
t! e Meeting House at 9 o'clock in the morning — - 
That every householder lor the first hour's absence 
should be fined twelve pence ; and for a whole days 
absence two shillings.* 

Third Public Meeting, Jan. 16, 1655. 

The third public meeting was dated month 11, 
dnv 1(5, 1655 and, agreeable to a former vote, hoi- 
den at the meeting house. How and by whom the 
first meeting house was built are facts yet to he as- 
certained. There appears to be a traditionf that 
Samuel and Thomas Adams were at the principal 
ex pence of erecting this house But the town re- 
cords contain no inf< rmaton relative to it. It stood at 
the south west corner of the present house. It was 
built in the year preceding the erection of Mr. 
Adams' saw-mill 1656 and in all probability was 
made of logs, hewed and locked together. 

Having secured their title to the lands granted by 
settling thereon a number of r*>£ is competent for 
the maintenance cf religious -es, and within 

the time specified » the 'hey requested 

\n act of incorpo'- ^junted them in, 



.poration, May 1655. 

"Upon information from Maj Willa'd by a letter 
from Esdras Reed, Edward Spalding, and William 

*There was a similar custom at Cambridge as early as 1644. "An 
eighl penny ordinary was provided for the townsmen upon their annual \ 
met tin j dav ; and whosoever failed to be present within half an hour 
from the ringing of the bell, shall both loose his dinner and pay a pint of 
sack, or the value thereof to the present townsmen." 

Dr. Holmes His. Comb. 

-j- 1 his is intimated in a letter from the late President Adams of Quin» 
cy (i ' m. Adams Esq. lequesting to know, who built the first Meeting- 
boyse and Mil's. 



13 

PleJtcher, inhabitants of said plantation, that the 
number of inhabitants according to the time prefixed 
in the Court's grant, were there settled ; at their re- 
quest tlieCourt do grant the name thereof to be called 
Chelmsford."* 

1th 3 month, 1656. Enlargement.] 

Notwithstanding the favorable report of the com- 
mittee appointed to examine this tract of land it was 
found by experience to be incapable of affording 
them accommodations and advantages, which hid 
been contemplated. 

This appears from a petition, which the Inhabi- 
tants presented to the General Court for an ad- 
ditional grant, or enlargement of their township ; in 
winch they assign as the reasons for a new grant 
i that the barrenness of one part and the sternness of 
the other had constrained them to situate their hab- 
itation on the conic ^f their bounds ; tiiat their situa- 
tion was near thr east line, and that tltey had 
no outlet for tht to feed upon.' They re- 
quested the Court 'em 4 a small parcel of 
land from their north 'own to Merrimack 
river, and so bounded L er stjjqut thr 
miles ; from thence to run u 
Groton plantation." 

Jan. 1. At li is request the land lying before h. ie brook 

is granted to Mr. i-'iske as a part of Ins house lo 

Mi was named after Chelmsford in England, count, ..sex, which 

derived its name from the River Ohelmer on which it is ,iiuated. "it's 
no unusual thing among us, thai while an excellent, laborious and illu- 
minating preacher has been continued in a town, the place has thriven 
to admiration. The gospel has evidently been the making of Our towns, 
and the blessings of the upper, have been accompanied, by the blessings. 
ot the nether springs fhere are few of our towns but what have tin It 
namesakes in England The reason why most of our towns are called w i.a* 
they are i» because the chief of the first inhabitants would thushe • up 
the names of the particulai places, whence tliey came." JluOburrf, 

jbee Appendix No. 3 and 4. 



14 

Mr. Eliot,* in behalf of the Indians, petitioned at 
the same time for an enlargement of their grant. 

la answer to these petitions, the court, on confer- t 
ence with the committee, who established the 
bounds of Chelmsford, and on examination of a plot 
of the said plantations and of the tract oi land by 
both parties petitioned for, -ranted, that the Indian 
plantation be extended one mile from the north east 
ano-le of Chelmsford, abutting on Merrimack and 
Pawtuckett eastward, taking in John Sagamore s 
planting ground, and the end ot sard mile to deter- 
mine tnVlndian plantation. For the rest of the land 
petitioned for by both towns, it was ordered that 
Chelmsford north and south lines abutting on Zad- 
muck be extended— (the south to Groton line) the 
north from the north east corner or angle three, 
miles upon Merrimack river and thence a south west 
line to Groton. t And this whole tract was to re- 
main ' in community unto the town ot Chelmsturd 
and Pawtuckett? . 

To this additional grant, which contained all West- 
ford and the northerly part of Chelmsford, the In- 
dians had a common right with the inhabitants ot 
Chelmsford. But whetl they availed themselves 
of this right at all, or m. de a compromise with the 
inhabitants of Chelmsford for any particular parcel 
of lantl is not certainly known. It is probable how 
ever tnat me Indians gave up their right in this grant 
in consideration of some parcel of land, or some im- 
munity and privilege. For in »660, the Indians of 
Pawtuckett and inhabitants of Chelmsford}, entered 
into a mutual agreement, which was sanctioned by 

*Mr. EUot obtained in 1654 several parcels of land for those Indians :,who 
,hou d ffive any just hope of their embracing the christian relg.on - 
Gookin?ecUs y tne Wamesits among- the 7 old towns of praying lnaians. 

G TteIbnTetscnp;ion agree, with the petition and with the boun- 
daries afterwards agreed on-t ho' it varies from the original transcript, 
taken from the records of Court. 
*See Appendix, No. 6. 



15 

Court to exchange land, and to settle the boundaries 
between them In this instrument it is mutually 
stipulated, that all the land lying on the north east 
side of the line (which they had mutually agreed up- 
on) belonging to Chelmsford, shall henceforth be the 
proper right and to the sole use of the said Indian 
plantation ; and all the land on the south west side 
of the said line whether tiie old or new plantation, 
excepting only what is hereafter given to James Par- 
ker, shall forever be and remain the proper right: 
and sole use of the inhabitants of Chelmsford- 
The line abovesaid was perambulated in 1665. 

Town Records, Book I, Page 142. 

The plantation, heretofore called Pawtuckett, ig 
in this and in all subsequent records styled Wamesit. 
The Indians from various causes rapidly decreased; 
and having little or no use for land, as opportunity 
oifered sold it to individuals in Chelmsford, until it 
was contracted to the narrow bounds ot the well 
known pasture, called the 'Wamesit purchase.' — 
1 he north west boundary of said ' purchase' beo-an 
near the head of the Middlesex Canal, and so to the 
glass manufactory and thence running nea the houses 
of the late Mr. Philip Parker, Mr. Micah Spalding, 
and Capt. Benj. Butterfield, terminated at Wamesit 
falls in Concord river, or at the mouth of Krver 
Meadow Brook. The first English settlements made 
on the Indian plantation were on the borders of 
Concord river, upon a plot of ground much resem- 
bling a heater, which gave rise to the name of Con- 
aord River Neck, which it still retains. 

The 'Great Neck' or 'Neck Land,' so called, in- 
cludes the whole Indian plantation, lying, north east 
of original Chelmsford and between Concord river 
and Merrimack river. ' uncord river neck' lies be- 
tween ' River Meadow Bi wok' and Concord river, 



16 

extending south west to the line between Chelmft- 
ford and the Indian plantation. 

Transactions — 1 6?G. 

From the origin we pass to the transactions of the 
town. It is among the most instructive and interest- 
ing lessons ot history to trace the hardships and suf- 
ferings,deprivations and solicitudes of the inhabitants 
of a new country, or settlement, in the attainment of 
the comforts and conveniences of life, and those ad- 
vantages, which are the fruit of human industry and 
exertion, and the ends of civil society. See then the 
thirty nine first emigrants entering this wilderness, 
subduing the fallow ground, lying out and finish- 
ing roads, erecting a meetiug-house for the worship 
of their God., and a school-house for the nstruction 
of their children and solicitously raising up the foun- 
dation of many generations. Scarcely had two years 
elapsed, from the time they felled the first tree, 
when they procured an act of incorporation. They 
had before this obtained a valuable accession to 
their numbers and wealth in the Rev. John Fiske, 
and a part of his Church ; who were induced to re- 
move from Wenham, to this new settlement. 

In this company of holy pilgrims, for they were 
all holy by profession, the town receive I an ascen- 
sion gift, and a church, already formed and conse- 
crated. The first planters, it is said, were greatly 
assisted by the wealth which the Wenham com- 
pany brought with them Among these pious em- 
igrants was Dea. Cornelius Woldo, a man of distin- 
guished usefulness, whose house was in the garden 
of the writer, near to the well, which was discover- 
ed and opened, on plowing the ground in seventeen 
hundred and ninety two, or three. Tiiomv-s, after- 
wards Major Hindi man, another of the Wenharn 
company was for many years a leadi's^ charac er, 
and became a large land huluer. JJeac. Andrew 



\1 

Spalding, also is said by tradition to belong- to the 1 
Wenham company. 

Possessed of a large tract of land, and desirous 
for its settlement, the early inhabitants of the town 
were nevertheless extremely cautious of admitting 
strangers to share their toils and enjoy their privi- 
leges. Hence no man was allowed .to take up or 
purchase land of the Committee, chosen by the 
town for the purpose of selling and laying out land, 
until he had been approved and formally admitted 
an inhabitant by a major vote at public town meet- 
ing. This caution was proper and even indispen- 
sable to the character of a " plantation religious." 

While thus guarding the moral, they were no less 
attentive to the civil and pecuniary interest of the 
town. The policy they adopted to encourage and 
invite mechanics and tradesmen to settle with them 
was wise and beneficial. Tne principle should be 
regarded by every community. They offered land? 
and accommodations gratuitously to mechanics and 
artificers, who would set up and carry on their 
trades in town. 

First Weaver — 1656. 

As early as 1656 at May Meeting, William How 
was admitted as an inhabitant, and granted twelve 
acres of meadow and eighteen of upland, provided 
he set up his trade of weaving and perform the 
town's work. 

First-Saw Mill— July 3f. 

The same year, was granted to Saml. Adams, in 
consideration of his setting up a saw-mill, 450 acres 
of land upon the south side of the meadow belong- 
ing to him, called brook meadow — " provided he sup- 
ply the town* with boards at three shillings per. 

Cant. Samuel Adams, died Jan. 24, 1688, 



}8 

hundred, or saw one log i'or the providing and bring* 
ing of another to be ready to work the next March.' 

First Corn Mill. 

To this were added a hundred acres in consid- 
eration of his erecting a> corn-mill, and to give him 
still farther encouragement, they passed an order, 
' that no other corn-mill shall be erected for this 
town, provided the said Adams keep a sufficient mill 
and miller.' In 1661 he obtained liberty to set flood 
gales at Hart Pond 'to himself and heirs forever.' 

Road to Grot on — 1663. 

For many years the chief travel to Grot on, was 
thro' this town. Hence a road was laid out bv a 
joint committee of Groton and Chelmsford ' begin- 
ning at Beaver brook-bridge,- and running over the 
north side of Rubin's Hill thro' Richard Hildnth's 
yard to the west end of Heart Pond, over the 
swam}) to Thomas Chamberhn's meadow, and so on 
towards Groton on the east side of Tadmuck great 
meadows-" The towns of Billerica, Chelmsford, 
Groton, TownsendJ Dunstable 6c Dracut, unitedly 
built the great bridge over Concord river at Biileri- 
. . nd for many years jointly maintained it. 

The early attention of the first inhabitants to 
1664 the culture of apple trees may be learned 
from the mention of Edward Spalding's or- 
chard in 1664. 

jVewfietiL—\6tf7 

What was originally called Newiield was a strip of 
interval, extending from the mouth of stoney Brook 
along the Merrimack to Newfield Eddy. It is per- 
haps the best land in the town, and would have been 
sooner dectrpied and improved had it not been for 



1!J 

i ifficulty of passing stoney br<ook. Lt v. 
first purchased, or taken up bj twenty two proprier 

, who held unequal shares, as appears from me 
annexed table — (Appendix 1$o» 7.) In 1067 the 
proprietors procured a mrvey and ascertained each 
his proportion of fence. Ii contained 21! acres, 
and being fenced in 1669, wag improved a whil< ■ 
an outlet or common pasture, by the proprietors 1 . — 
At first it was called the new field; which became at 
length a common name for .'It that part of the tQwn 
on the nortji ol Btoney bro 

Meivfield Pond, 

Formerly there was a pond in New field, wind; 
covered 100 acres of land, ft lay about 1 00 rod 
weft of Stoney Brook and half a mile from its mouth. 
Mr. John Richardson, about 1700, drained it otf in 
the following curious manner. The water in stoney 
brook being low by reason of a great drought, and 
hardly lumcient io carry the mill • itanding t the 
mouth of this brook, it was proposed to open a com- 
munication with it from the pond. The bed ol the 
brook was about M) feet lower than the surface ol 
the pond. A mound of running sand ol 30 or 40 
i • i hick and f om 15 to20feet nigh separated tne 
waters ol the pond from the meadow and brook I < - 
low. Beginning at theside 61 the bank next to the 
brook, the workmen had proceeded in digging 
nal two thirds of the way through the bank, when 
the great pressure of water from the pond burst the 
batik, covered a negro, who was the onlj person 
that happened to be in the canal at that time with 

'Merrimack pUm, -.<> called, i-> the n ettem section o 

and includes all tl»e b>»d north vm_-si ol Deep Brook. 

1681 — K {wiling • wair* w« I ick rivei 

end of N> v. !)• in b) ibe propi 10 agreed oadm 

of the town to -.liaic in ilie tithing trade on condition h: wouid • 
, expense of effecting the work*. 

C2 



2U 

sand, many fcet deep, and carried away with great 
yiolence such a quantity of sand as to form a consid- 
erable hillock, or island of sand in the midst of the 
meadpw, which remains to this day. The pond was 
drained except about an acre, over which the wa- 
ter is very deep. The principal part of the land is 
now covered with a thrifty growth of wood. The 
banks of the pond are still visible on all sides.* 

Second Saw Mill — 1669. 

Though motives of common safety and defence,of 
society and mutual aid, would suggest the. idea of a 
compact settlement ; )et the ease and convenience 
of procuring fodder for their cattle,t and necessaries 
for themselves, induced them as the population in- 
creased, to forego the pleasure of personal safety, 
and the advantages of social intercourse and neijjbor- 
hood and settle at a distance from one another on the 
margin of meadows and brooks, and on tracts of land 
the most easy of cultivation- Hence it became 
necessary for the accommodation of the north wes- 
terly part of the town to encourage the erection of 
another Saw Mill. To this end a parcel of land 
was granted to Thomas Hinchman, William Fletch- 
er and Josiah Richardson in 1669, for their encour- 
agement and assistance in building the second saw- 
mill in town. 

Town Records, Book 1 , Page 40. 

This tract of land lay at the * north east corner of 
William Fletcher's farm, and so extending to the 
south east corner of the lonir Pond on the north side 

♦The Indian name of Newfield Pond, appears from some antient plots 
of land near this p*nd, taken by Mr. Danforth of Billerica to be 
Assanunnjckcon -misirk. 

JThere be likewise in divers places great broad meadows, wherein 
eirow neil er shrub nor tree; but as much grass as may be thrown out 
with a scythe thick and long. Wood's Hie. N. England 



of Stoncy Brook and so along by the pond to Solo 
nion Keysc's meadow,' and by the aforesaid meadow 
and Thomas Hinchman's meadow and upland, and 
from thence by a high way to Stoncy Brook, and 
then partly by \\ ill. am Fletcher's meadow Al- 
ways premised and consented to, that there shall be 
allowed out of the said land such high ways, as are 
or may be convenient. In consideration of the afore- 
said grant k the said Thomas llinchman, William 
Fletcher and Josiah Richardson do covenant and 
grant to the town of Chelmsford, that the Inhabi- 
tants thereof shall have their boards at four shillings 
per hundred and not exceeding that price, for any 
kind of pay that the inhabitants can make at price 
cunent between man and man in this town ; and that 
any of the inhabitants of said town by giving timely 
notice to any of the owners, shall be supplied for 
their pay before others. And it is further agreed 
that the aforesaid owners el the mill shall have full 
liberty to take from the town common what timber 
they see meet to work in the mill.' 

The value of land at this time may be learn- 
1669 ed from an order past i:i 1069, ; ept. 3. It 
was ordered by the town, that all those, who 
shall take up any accommodation m town shall pay 
for a ten acre lot /2— 10. and in the same proportion 
for any lot greater or smaller; which shall be appro- 
priated to the use of the town. 

Previous to this, housedots of ten,fifteen or twen- 
ty acres were given to approved characters, on con- 
dition they buiided and settled upon them, other- 
wise they were to return to the town. Alter this 
date no lands were given except to mechanics, or to 
encourage some useful art or trade. 

1671.— Mrs. Anne, consort of the Rev. John Fiske, died March 21. 



22 

Death oj Mr. Fiske. 

The death of the Rev. Mr. Fiske forms a me- 
morable epoch in the history of the town, with 
which we shall conclude this s cuon. Born in trou- 
blesome times, inured to hardships from his first en- 
trance upon the active scenes of life, Mr Fiske had 
endured in this place the heat and burden of tne day, 
and enjoyed in the cool shades of evening the pleas- 
ing reflection, that he had not labored in vain, nor 
spent his strength for naught. He lived to see the 
wilderness blossom as the rose, and the desolate 
place filled with much people. His constitution, 
broken down by excessive labor and study, yielded 
at length to the force of various diseases which 
preyed upon it. His sepulchre is among us to this 
day, tho' i am sorry to say, without a name and with- 
out that decent attention, due to the ashes of a dis- 
tinguished benefactor of mankind and faithful servant 
of Jesus Christ. 

1678.— John Parker, son of \braham,built a saw-mill on Beaver-brook, 
of which some remains are yet to be seen. 

1717 — A wall was built round the burying 1 ground. 

1670-A.n order was passed by the inhabitants in town meeting-, that afc 
ter this date there shall be no public meeting for the granting of land.but 
what is appointed on some lecture day before, and notice thereof given, 
in public after lecture, any order to the contrary notwithstanding-. 

A road wus also laid out from Newfield Gate towards Dea. Waldo's 
farm to Dunstable, 6 poles wide, according- to town order. 



28 



SECTION fJ. 



Mr. Clarke. 

NOTHING can be more important to a nev/ 
plantation than the settlement of a pious, enlighten- 
ed minister ; who shall guide and counsel their chil- 
dren; comfort them in their afflictions; dispense the 
blessings of the gospel, and teach the way to 
heaven. 

The first settlers of this town, drinking deep of 
the benevolent and pious spirit of their ancestors, 
made the establishment of the gospel ministry their 
first and greatest concern, after they had marked out 
the boundaries of their habitation, and complied 
with the terms on which the retention and enjoy- 
ment of their grant depended. And how great 
must have been their zeal, to establish and maintain 
the institutions of religion in their penurious circum- 
stances? How cheerfully and liberally they contri- 
buted to this great object, their public records 
shew. 

Having aided and comforted with exemplary 
1677 kindness and patience their aged Pastor under 
the infirmities of declining life ; and having al- 
so paid the last affectionate honors to his remains, 
their attention was immediately directed to the elec- 
tion and settlement of a successor. Under the su- 
perintending providence of God, they were soon di- 
rected to one in whom they were perfectly united, 
and for whose subsistence they made the folio wing- 
pro visions, 



24 

1st. The inhabitants of Chelmsford do agree iS 
pay Mr. Thomas Clarke the just sum of 80/. in man- 
ner following, viz : — Twenty pounds in current mon- 
ey, and sixty pounds in provision, viz -Forty pounds 
in corn of all sorts as God gives.* The other twenty 
in pork, beef and other flesh ; but not exceeding 
2 l~2d. per lb. Moreover it is agreed that the town 
shall supply Mr. Clarke with wood for his family 
yearly, which is by agreement 30 cords yearly. 

2d. It is agreed that +he town shall pay 60/ in 
money towards the purchase of Corser's land,t lying 
in Chelmsford, and that they build an house on the 
said land, which house shall be 40 feet in length, 20 
in breadth and 15 instud, and a kitchen adjoining if 
1<> i'ect square and ten feet stud; provided Mr. 
Clark shall pay one fourth of what this building shah 
cost. 

3d. It is agreed that the said town make addition 
to the salary above stated, if he stand in need and 
the town be able thereto. 

4th. That his yearly salary shall be paid within 
fhe year 

5th. That if the said Mr. Clarke grow discon- 
tented and remove and leave the work of the minis- 
try in Chelmsford, then the said house and land shall 
return to the town ; they paying to Mr. Clarke 
•what he hath expended towards the purchase, 
building and bettering the accommodation. For 
confirmation of this agreement, we have set our 
hands this 5th of the 12 mouth, i. e Feb. 5, 1677. 

THOMAS CLARKE, 
SAMUEL ADAMS, CPk. 

To the fulfilment of this agreement on the part of 
the town, Mr Clarke testified in the following 
words. ' That the agreement concerning the pur- 

1677 Ensign William Fletcher, one of the first grantees and a most 
distinguished character, died Nov 6. 
'< lorn in 1633 was 2 shillings per bushel. 
jThe homestead of the late Mrs. Grace Fletcher. 



25 

chase of Corser's land and the building a house there 
on is fully performed by the inhabitants of Chelms- 
ford and accepted by possession of the same.' 
27th the I ith month, 1670. 

Thomas clarke 

Ministry or Glebe Lands, 

It was a general rule of court In granting: new 
townships, to require the grantees to set apart 'one 
Sot for the first settled minister as an inheritance, one 
for the ministry, as glebe land, and one for a school.' 
Though no such conditions were enjoined upon the 
grantees of this township, yet they conformed to this 
rule, except in the case of schools. They ga\<; a 
lot to Mr. Fiske as an inheritance. — And looking 
forward into future times, when real estate would be. 
high and a convenient situation in the centre of the 
town, hardly attainable, they set apart a tract of 
land for the sole use of the ministry forever, in the 
following words. 

May 31, 1670. By the town's gift and order was 
laid out to the ministry and for that only use forever 
in Chelmsford, that is to sav, 

Thirty acres of upland and swamp be it more or 
less, and is bounded east by the high way to the 
training field, south upon a great rock — North upon 
the land of Cornelius Waldo with a straight line to' 
a stake and heap of stones about it — which is a wes- 
terly corner of John Bate's land, and so on a straight 
line to a pine tree near Stoney Brook path. North 
west by the town common upland to a black oak, 
and from thence with a straight line to a red i it 
near to the land that was given to the Rev. Mr 
Fiske and his son John Fiske, and from thence to a 
great rock southerly, provided always that there be 

1677— Thomas Tarkfir, is granted fi acres of land on condition he i«t 
?'n his trade ofehoe-makitife'. 

JO 



!:• 



: i-wi\ between tlic [and of the afore*- 
.ii»l ! ii! ths afore aid laud, which way 

be four poles in breadth. 

£ Com. 



\\ VI. ! NDERWOOD, 
/ t/ic selectmen, i ( ,1 1 \ pi 



Bell— WW. 

About twenty seven year from the first planting 
'•I Hie, settlement, raised in some degree above ne- 
i\. the inhabitants began to think of convenien- 
■ . nd in i of all, tbose relating to the house and 
worship of God. While some new towns made use 
of a drum and'othcrs ofa horn, to call people to- 
gether on the Lord's day, the inhabitants oi this 
place ;ii an ear!} period purchased a hell," and or- 
dered if (o be ' i i hi iii in the meeting" house.' It can- 
not bul sink'- iis with surprise, that while" then 
hous*j of wor hip was nothing but a rude log hut, or 
at best bul a better sort of barn, and while as pel 
thev had no school-house in town, they should pro*- 
vide a bell for their meeting-house. But this fact 
serves to illustrate flic religious character of the 

people. 

• irer U i us forgi I that whatever other things 
may be neglected, the bouse and worship of God, 
the conveniences and accommodations of them, musl 
iioi be overlooked, and cannot be neglected l»\ a 
people of reli] i< u feeliri; and habits. 

4 It was ordered that all the expences appertain- 
ing to the purchase and hanging of the said bell be 
paid out of the town stock, it there be sufficient in 
hand; if not, thai there be bo much land sold out of 
the commons as will purchase and hang it.' This 
bell was used during the first and Becond house. — 

1682.— John Lowell flr»t tanner had leave to buj am an in 

,i In- •- i up nil trade ol tanv 
l he i , II beart this im< riptionj ' : u >■■ a« then 

i . . ■ iej obtained a b< 



<Sni when the ili. id, which ia tho prosi nt, w.i . buill 
it v a j thought to bo '.oo Btnull ; Find in 1800 w ii iold 
to Gyrus Baldwin^ Ean. who has recently sold il foi 
the u ic of a school hou ic in Tj ng iboi o 

In 1 683 further pro\ i non w 1 1 tu ido for tlie 
;. mini i n by q grant oi ten aci n i of meadow 

k for Hie n te of the mini i 1 v forevoi •' 'I hi 
I mil w.ii in the noi Mi w out corner «-i I be tow >> ncai 
to G mi i in, in a pla.ee called unako meadow. 1 1 w i 
, awed to John Spalding and Arthur Crouch, foi n 
: uccessiou of year » for four shilling poi youi'i payu* 
ble in '"in ii i u o Bhilling , per bu ihel, Ii w •• ■ ■ iveu 
H I * in \\ > tlord as their part of the ministerial land , 

\ ll<;ll lll.il. tOW ii Wfl ii" 01 |mi .id <l in I / 

//'.//;"".// I ' in rlni'.r | ( j 

The tract well known by the amo of Wamosil 
purcha e* was tho last ol the Indiun territory in thi 
town. Ii w;r» old by the Indiana to Jona. Tyng 
E a, and Mnj. Thonaaa Hinchman. Mr. Tyng con 
veyed hi right in the U ame it pun h i ic, oxi ptinp 
one forty iixtb part, i<> Mai iiiik umun, who iold 
the whoh trai I to foi I fom pi i ion , re on ing one 
share to him ielf.* 'I hi i< loi i j ii joinl pi ppi u loi 
built a wall on the south tide, extending from Mor 
rimacb i iyer to Corn ord rivcr> tnd foi lomi v u 
ii .i il i In land as •> common pa itui e foi i heir i atlh 
Ii w .- 1 : . anno xi «l to ( 'helm iford I 726. I 

I . • BOtt 1001 

10391 1 In ni w ■ h 'Hi i i n Iiii Ii . .,. ,ii,i..i .i ii,. I'lj 

■ i outh, i lit and rnnU or «oln \w \ 

'I ,,. i . ,', m mi,.:, f il,, . I, ., i. i , : i.i... * A 

•..!•' I / '.ii Hi' poll , I,/ upnu !(J | ij. .1 .i.i' /i 

1601 ,ii .i.i, i: .,, 

Mill DrooV 

• ■ A j . j . . ,,.|, I') 

lod - i h modi of i mini t< i in • ifi n 

■ lion il kocii .,.!■ ■ i fri .... ■ i uridi i \ fill I I n , . . p ml 

I, 1602 !'■■ il i' 'i l/i tl • ■■ i. . • i- Lj 

■ 



88 

'Sills of Credit— 1696. 

As we shall, have occasion to say much upon Bills 
.>i" credit and paper currency before we close this 
Jn-tmy.it will be best here to give a sketch of their 
prigin ant! depreciation. 

The unsuccessful expedition against Canada in 
1690 afforded an occasion for an unexpected de-> 
niand of money, which the government were not 
able to meet. The expedient devised to extricate 
th tmselves from embarrassment at that time was to 
anticipate the annual tax, by issuing bills of credit of 
an annual existence. These were punctually re- 
deemed until the year 1704, when a pressure of pub- 
lic expences growing out of unprofitable and calam- 
itous wars, induced the General Court to defer the 
payment of taxes for two years, afterwards for a 
er term, and eventually for thirteen yeara — 
The British parliament at length interposed and lim- 
ited the posponement of taxes to the 1741. In the 
mean time now' emissions were sent forth, expressed 
in various tenors, as Old Tenor, Middle Tenor, New 
Tenor first, New Tenor second. The depreciations 
of these bills may be seen by the following statement. 

In 1702, one ounce of silver brought 6s. 10 \-2<L 
-In 1705, 76— In 1713,85.— In 1716. 9s. 3d.— In 
17 17. 12.9.— In 1722, 145.— In 1728, 18*.— In 1730, 
205 —In 1737, 205- In 1741, 285.— In 1749, 6O5. 

Various schemes were proposed for reducing or 
rather for preventing the depreciation of these bills, 
all however were ineffectual. 'Public institutions 

in waqt of a minister, such church shall have power according to the di- 
rections given in the word of Go<i. to choose their own Pastor. And the 
;n;ijnr part of such inhabitants as do there usually attend on public wor- 
ship, and are by law duly qualified to vote in town affairs, concurring 
with the church's act, the person thus elected and approved, accepting 

of and settling with them, shall be the minister, towards whose sup. 

port all the inhabitants and rateable estates Ijing within Mich town -ha!.' 
to nay iu iust proportion. Act 4, William & Mar- 



29 

supported by funds were in a progressive decay. — 
Officers and Soldiers of the army, with all civil of- 
ficers were paying the price of this depreciation in 
a most injurious desproportion.' So violent was the 
eifect of it upon the clergy, to whom the parishes 
were tardy in making up the deficiency in the value of 
their salaries, that the Governor informed the gene- 
ral court, that it seemed probable, that many of them 
would be necessitated to betake themselves to secu- 
lar employments, for a livelihood.' 

Minot's Con vol. 1, page 84, &c. 

Such was the reluctance of the legislature to in- 
crease by new taxes, a burden already insupporta- 
ble, that a scheme was formed to raise a capital up- 
on the security of individuals and with the profits to 
provide for the annual charges of Government. — 
They emitted 50,000/ at first, and afterwards, 100, 
000/. more in bills of public credit, which Mere de- 
posited in the hands of trustees, chosen by towns to 
be loaned to private persons, who should be obliged 
to repay it at stated times with interest, and this in- 
terest was to defray the public expences. 

Another scheme was projected to supplant 
1 740 a paper currency by silver coin. The loan 
was to consist of 60,000/. and the borrowers 
were held to replace it with specie. In this and the 
50,000/.* loan the town of Chelmsford became in- 
terested by choosing certain persons to receive 'then 
proportion of the 60,000/. and loan it to individuals 
in the town. It was agreed that no one should bor- 
row more than 20/. nor less than 51. To ex~ 
1748 tinguish the paper currency, which had be- 
come extremely oppressive and embarrassing 
to the people, an act was passed in parliament for 
rc-embursing the colonies m specie. The General 
Court considered it their duty to provide bv law for 
the rate at which the bills ef credit should be re- 
*In the 50,000/. loan the town took HOI— 10. 



I3U 

deemed, and fixed it at one fifth less than their low- 
est current value, i. e. at fifty shillings tor an ounce 
of silver, which was valued at 6s. Sd. 

Origin and value of the old Tenor. 

This was the origin of the old tenor reckoning. — - 
(An ounce of silver valued at 6-Hd. or an English 
crown,) was equivalent to fifty shillings paper cur- 
rency. (See Appendix No. 2i.) As the design of 
this law was the abolition of the paper currency, 
and as the grant of parliament was insufficient to re- 
deem the whole mass of paper money, that the gov- 
ernment had issued, the remainder was liquidated by 
a tax of 75,000/ * payable in bills at the rate above 
mentioned, i. e. fifty shillings in bills were accounted 
equal to six shillings and eight pence in specie, or 
one ounce of silver. And all future debts after 
March 3i, 1750, it was enacted, should be under- 
stood to be contracted on silver coin at 6-8d. per oz. 
And ail debts after that time were made payable in 
such coin accordingly/]" This also was the origin of 
lawful money. Three ounces of silver was equiva- 
lent to 1/. lawful money, or twenty shillings. 

Third Grist $#0—^695. 

Daniel Waldo, had leave ' to set up a grist mill, 
at the mouth of stoney brook, below the way that 
leads to Dunstable between Merrimack river and 
the bridge.' He was obliged by contract to 'grind 
the corn and malt of the inhabitants of Chelmsford, 
except on the fourth day of each week, which was 

*Of this 75,000?. Chelmsford paid Z305-15 besides Z29-7-6 to their re- 
presentative. 

I See a more particular account of paper currency in Douglass, vol. 1. 
■Belknap, vol. 1, chap. 5, 



31 

appropriated to the use ©f Dunstable.;]; This ad- 
vantageous situation has been constantly occupied by 
a mill under several successive owners. The pres- 
ent proprietor, Win. Adams, Esq. rebuilt the saw- 
mill, 1815, and in lull, the grist mill on an improv- 
ed plan. It contains three runs of stones, each of 
which is moved by a tub wheel. The wheels are 
placed at different elevations, that the uppermost 
may be used when the water in the Merrimack is 
at its greatest height, and either covers the other 
wheels or impedes their motions. As the water in 
the river falls to its common level, either or all of 
the wheels may be used at pleasure. 

Other improvements deserve notice. The run of 
stones designed principally for corn has a small fan- 
ning wheel, fixed near the mouth of the shoe, to 
which motion is communicated by a band from the 
stone, and which impels a current of air against the 
grain, as it falls into the eye of the stone, and blows 
off chaff and other li^ht substances. The bottom of 
each of the shoes of the other runs of stones is a tin 
sieve, through which fall sand, sorrel seed and other, 
impurities in the grain,which is to be ground. These 
improvements deserve the attention of all millers. 

This brings us to another memorable period, the 
death of the Rev. Mr. Clarke. After a peaceful 
ministry of 27 years, he was called to give an account 
of his stewardship, Dec. 7, 1704. 

^Mr. Waldo, was 'to grind the town's corn and malt forhnlf toll, ex- 
cept a small quantity as a bushsl or the like, and according to turn aa- 
much as may be.' 



I 



SECTION lit. 



Mr. Stoddard. 



The first house of public worship, erected 
17nfi like Jacob's stone at Bethel, almost befure 
they had provided houses for their own shel- 
ter and convenience, had now survived the two first 
Pastors, who ministered at its altar. It had been 
standing just half a century, at the death of Mr. 
Clarke. Two great objects occupied the thoughts 
of the people, the settlement of a new minister, and 
the building of a new house of worship. Still retain- 
ing the character of a religious people, they were 
unwilling to dwell in 4 sealed houses, while the Lord's 
house was neglected,' or to give sleep to their eyes 
until they had re-established the stated ministrations 
of his word and ordinances. 

In about a year and a half from the decease of 
their last pastor, another was sent, who was most cor- 
dially received, as the following minutes taken from 
the town records, will shew, 

Jane 26 — 1706. 



4 At a general town meeting.the church did then and 
there declare that they had made choice of Mr. 
Samson Stoddard to be their settled minister, if he 
shall please to accept.' 

1706. — The first iron works were set up by Jona. and John Richard- 
?on,on stoney brook. Voted to give Mrs. Clarke a cow of the value of 3;- 
$10. Depreciation 1-75—8-25. 



33 

*Qn the same day the inhabitants of the town diu 
unanimously concur with the vote of the church.' 

1 It was also agreed and voted to give Mr. Stod- 
dard, seventy pounds yearly as a salary, and one 
hundred pounds as a settlement. On the twenty 
fifth of the next month, four pounds were added to 
provide him with wood.' 

The quantity of wood allowed Mr. Clarke, was 
thirty cords : the same was also allowed to Mr. 
Bridge. If we suppose therefore that four pounds 
Ave re considered equivalent to thirty cords ot wood, 
and allowing for depreciation about one shilling for 
every 65. and Wd. according to the foregoing table, 
it will make wood at that time about 2s. 2 \-2di 
per cord. 

Division of Common Lands. 

'•' The Colonial Government frequently granted townships 
to certain persons designated in the grant by the name and 
title of select-towns-men, with express or implied authority to 
grant and dispose of land to encourage settlements and pro- 
vide for the support of the gospel ministry* The policy of 
the Colonial government in making such grants, seems to 
have been well understood to be, to people the then wilder- 
ness and provide for the support of the gospel ministry. — 
The effect of such grants therefore was rather a power in 
the original grantees to dispose of lands gratuitously, than to 
hold them as their private estates. At any rate, such was 
the lisuage, whether arising from necessity or policy." 

" A very ancient practice, perhaps in the very onset, of 
the orignal grantees and their assigns, obtained — to dispose 
of a five acre right, a ten acre right, a twenty acre right, 
a thirty acre right, in the common and undivided lands of 
the township. This was generally done in town-meeting, 
and divided by a majority of votes without regard to the in- 
terests of the proprietors. In this way it is apparent that 
the greatest proprietor could have no greater influence by 
his vote than the smallest." 



34 

- Before the union of the territories and colonies into one 
province, by the name of the Massachusetts Bay, in New- 
England,* the proprietors of undivided or common lands in 
some of the towns and precincts, had adopted the practice 
of stating on their records, each one's proportion thereof, 
and of voting according to their several interests." 

" By the statute of 4 William and Mary, sec. 3d, 16921 
this practice, before that time well known, is expressly sanc- 
tioned by the legislature of the Province,that is to say, where 
proprietors of " undivided or common lands" in towns or 
precincts in the province, had stated their several propor- 
tions, " each one's proportion being known, the voices to be 
collected according to interests," and where such proprietors 
had not stated their proportions, as aforesaid, they were 
by the same statute, to be governed by the Major part of 
such proprietors, until they should make such statement,, 
and proportionment."! 

In consequence of the act of the Legislature in 1692, the 
common lands were divided into four parts, called first, 
second, third and fourth division. The management of 
them, fell into the hands of proprietors, who adjusted their 
several rights and stated their proportions acording to some 
principle of Justice agreed upon among themselves. The 
first Book of Proprietors' Records, was burnt with the house 
in which they were kept, about the year 1715. The onbr 
Book now extant begins about 1716. 

New-Meeting House — 1710. 

After much conversation and several public de- 
liberations upon the subject of a new meeting house, 
it was at length agreed to build a house of the follow- 
ing dimensions. Fifty feet long ; forty two broad 

and twenty two between joints. It was a- 
May 17. greed further to give for the building of 
Nov. 14. this house 330/. in current money with the 

old meeting house, which was not to be 
taken down until the new one was finished. It was 

*Sce charter of William and Mary Oct. 7, 1691, third year of thei: 
reign. 

t Pec Province Law.?, page 19. 

t M. S. Letter of Hon. Jamea Prescot, Esq. Judge of Probate, for the 
county of Middlesex, 



56 

also stipulated that the town should be at the ex- 
pense of raising the Meetinghouse, it was erected 
in 1711, finished and accepted by the town 1712. 
It was afterwards determined to build a small house 
by itself of 12 feet square and 14 high, " to hang the 
bell in," and to set it on the south west corner of 
the ground, on which the old meeting-house stood. 
But on consultation held with Mr. Snow, carpenter, 
of Woburn, it was agreed to build a turret on the 
roof of the meeting-house instead of a separate 
house for the above purpose. 

Began the long struggle for a separation of the 
-J7J., west part of Chelmsford, into a precinct or 
parish. After various fruitless efforts for 14 
years, they were incorporated into a parish for the 
purpose of religious worship. In the interim sever- 
al families* in the south west part of the town, were 
b) an act of the legislature united with Littleton in 
supporting the gospel. But when the west part of 
Chelmsford was formed into a precinct, or parish-, 
these families were restored to their former stand 
ing by a repeal of the aforesaid law. 

First School House— \1\Z. 

We now come to a very important transaction, 
the building of the first School-house. Hitherto 
their schools had been kept in their dwelling houses. 
In 1718, Oct. 27, Wm. Fletcher gave and secured to 

*Joshua Fletcher, Josiah Whitney, Benjamin Robins, Moses Foster, 
Joseph Hildreth, John Reed and Samuel Chamberlin. 

171L — Mai. Tyng was wounded by the Indians between Groton and 
Concord, carried to Concord and there died. Fumily Records, in posses- 
sion of Robert Brinley, Esq. Tyngsboro. 

Hubbard and Hutchinson say that Alaj. Tyng was killed in Chelmsfoid. 
They were doubtless in an error. 

1720. — Saml. Goold and wile, who came from Dunstable to Chelmsford, 
were the first persons, maintained at the public expence. The town gave 
for their maintenance 8s per week. 

And in 1727 a horse was provided for them to ride to meeting, when 
they were able to attend. These were the only pa'ipers -m town, nntv 
1747, almost a century from the first settlement. 



3d) 

the subscribers three rods and a half of land, abut- 
ted and bounded as follows. Eastwardly at the most 
eastwardly corner of the burying ground, upon a 
stake and heap of stones; southwardly upon the bur- 
ying place ; west to a stake and heap of stones, 
which is the most southwardly corner; on the west- 
erly corner, to a stake and heap of stones ; on the 
northerly corner to a stake and heap of stones; and 
then to the bounds first mentioned. 

EPHRAIM HILDRETH, ) 
JOHN WRIGHT, } Committee. 

J ON A. BOWERS. ) 

Nov. 28, 1718 — These presents declare that I, 
Wm. Fletcher, above said, do give the three rods 
and a half, above laid out at the northerly corner of 
the burying place, on which the school-house stands, 
to them that built it; to them their heirs and as- 
signs forever, and to that use forever.* 

WM. FLETCHER— Aw seal. 
In presence of 

ROBERT RICHARDSON, 
SAMUEL HOWARD. 

We have already mentioned the unsuccessful at- 
..,«<,, tempt of the west part of the town to be- 
come a distinct parish or precinct. This year 
they again stated their inconveniences and com- 
plaints to the General Court, who granted them 
leave to be erected into a separate religious society 
by the name of the west Precinct, of Chelmsford. — 
This act passed in May. In Dec. following a com- 

*This land was laid out on the right of Rev. Moses Fiske of Braintree, 
son of Rev. John Fiske of Chelmsford, and heir to his estate after the 
death of his brother John, who died childless. 

It was an early established regulation that towns of 50 families should 
•be provided constantly with a school— of a hundred families with a gram- 
mar school. Doug. 

1716.— More than three thousand pine trees were loaned at 2-6 J per 
hundred for the purpose of extracting turpentine. 

1717. — The burying ground enclosed by a wall, made for 6-4</per rod- 
eoual to 3s. according to scale of depreciation. 



61 

uiittee was chosen by the town to make un equita- 
ble division between the old town and the new pre- 
cinct. The court ordered that the town should 
pay 100/. to the west parish for their proportiona- 
ble expence in building the meeting-house. 

In 1727, they obtained leave of the town, for an 
entire separation, and were incorporated by the 
name of* Westfoid, Sept. 23, 1729. They received 
by act of court their proportion of the ministerial 
land and ammunition, which belonged to the town, 

Ccpt. LoveiueW s fight ut Pig-iuacket,JMcnj 8, 1725. 

Among the 33 heroes, who engaged Paugus and his company, consist- 
ing of about 80 Indians, were two natives of CheJrusford — viz. Lieut. 
Jona. Itobbius, born in that part of Chelmsford, which was afterwards an- 
nexed to Carlisle and from thence removed to Dunstable, from which he 
sst out on the fatal expedition — and John Chamberlin, who also had left 
Chelmsford and resided in Groton — Lieut. Robbins, was wounded in the 
first attack. — When they as&cmbK.d themselves at mid-nig/it, after the 
enemy had withdrawn from the held of battle, he was found unable to 
travel ; he desired his companions to charge his gun, and leave it with 
him, which they did ; he declaring t 'that as the Indians will come in the 
morning to scalp me, 1 will kill one or more of them, if 1 can.' 

' Johu Chamberlain was well acquainted with Paugus. In the course 
of the engagement Paugus and Chamberlain discoursed familiary together. 
Their guns being foul from frequent firings, they washed them at the 
pond, when Chamberlain assured Paugus, that he should kill him ; Paugus 
also menaced him, and bid defiance to bit threats. When they had pre- 
pared their guns, the; loaded and discharged them, and Paugus fell."* 

liev. J. Symtns. 

* There is a traditionary report, that after preparing their guns, Paugui 
said to Chamberlain, l It is you, or l. 1 Chamberlain gaining a little time 
in loading, fired first, and Paugus fell. 

Paugus was sachem of the rigwacket tribe. 

1722. — John Bales and family had the small pox ; and most of them 
died. 

1727. — Dec. 15, Rev. VVillard Hall, ordained Pastor over the 2d parish 
In Chelmsford, the Rev. Mr. Stoddard preached on that oocasion, 



3$ 



A TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF CHELMS 

FORD. 



CHELMSFORD is situated twenty three mileb 
north west of Boston, on the post-road to Amherst 
and Windsor. It is hounded on the north by Mer- 
rimack river, on the east by Concord river, south- 
cast byBillerica, south by Carlisle; west by West- 
ford, and north west by Tyngsborough. By a mea- 
surement in 1781, it was found to contain 13838* 
acres ; 2063 of which are in roads, ponds and sunken 
lands. It is remarkably diversified by meadows 
and swamps, uplands and forest trees of various 
kinds; and intersected by brooks and rivulets. Few 
townships in the Commonwealth have a greater 
variety of soil, or possess greater facilities to a profi- 
table market for their various productions. Upon 
the Merrimack and Concord, much of the land is al- 
luvial and fertile. Thence proceeding south west,lies 
a pine plain, called Carolina plain, upwards of a mile 
wide, intersecting the northeast and south west part 
of the town. The soil is shallow and sandy ; an4 
of little use except for raising rye. It produces a 
crop of about ten bushels per acre triennially. — 
The flour is of a quality superior to that raised on 
a richer and more fertile soil. The natural growth 
of this plain is white and yellow pine. It lies in the 
vicinity of Middlesex canal; and makes advanta- 
geous additions to the farms bordering upon it.— < 
The wood is an article of great domestic use, and 
finds a ready market at the Glass Manufactory.— 

i* 6 miles square centals nearly 23,000= 



39 

The wood lands in the neighbourhood of this great 
plain produce an alternate growth of oak and pine. 

The west part of the town is generally rocky and 
hard to be subdued ; but when much labor and ex- 
pense have been bestowed upon it, it is found to yield 
a large crop and to retain its strength and vigor for 
many years. 

So illy suited to grazing is the town, that few fam- 
ilies even among the most wealthy make a sufficien- 
cy of butter and cheese for their own consumption. 
Its principal productions for market are English 
grain and cider. Since the opening of Middlesex 
Canal, much of the woodland has been cleared up, 
and its growth sent to the capital. The principal 
resources of the town are its fisheries, granite, lime- 
stone, clay, peat, wood, mills, manufactures, canals 
and great roads. 

Heart Pond. 

The only pond in town, is Heart Pond, which is 
a very pleasant basin of water of a few miles in cir- 
cumference, much frequented, formerly, by those 
who were fond of angling. It lies in the south west 
corner of the town, and in form resembles a heart. 

Brooks. 

Stoney Brook originates in Harvard, passes 
through the northerly parts of Littleton and West- 
ford, and the north west corner of Chelmsford, 
where it enters into the Merrimack. It affords a 
number of excellent seats for mills, which are im- 
proved by forges, trip-hammers, saw mills, grist 
mills, and clothing mills. 

Mill brook, rises out of Heart Pond, and takes a 
south easterly direction to the north part of Carlisle 
where it shifts its course towards the north, anil 



40 

falling into the great meadovys, in the easterly part 
of Chelmsford, is called River-ineadow-brook, from 
the junction of Beaver brook -, where it takes a north 
easterly course, until it enters Concord river above 
Wamesjt falls. It has upon it four grist mills, two 
8AW mills, and a clothier's mill. 

Beaver brook rises in Tadmuckanu other swamps 
west of the meeting-house, and running a few rods 
south of ii falls into river-meadow-brook hall a mile 
east of the said meeting- house. On tins stream. 
thougn less than three; miles in length, arc a saw 
mill, a grist mill, a carding machine, lathe and ap- 
paratus for sawing felloes for wheels, moved by water. 

Black brook issues from a large swamp south of 
Stonev brook, runs about a mile and a hall in an east- 
ern direction, and then north east into Merrimack 
river, half a mile above Pawtuckett falls. 

Deep brook begins in the north east corner oi 
VVestlord, and passing through the north west cor- 
nier ot Chelmsford, enters the Merrimack, between 
JNcwfu Id Ivldy and Stoney brook. 

The town possesses natural advantages, which 
may be the means of increasing the wealth and pop- 
ulation, so as to make it the seal of much business. 
The two rivers that form its northern and eastern 
boundaries arc connected by Middlesex canal with 
Boston harbor. 

This (Huns a communication from these rivers. 
whlCn facilitates the transportation of lumber and 
produce, and increases their value The fisheries) 
upon these rivers are lucrative to individuals, and 
were the laws regulating the taking of fish better 
observed) would be a source of considerable wealth 
to those who devote their attention to this business. 

When the town was first settled and for bin 
years afterwards, Merrimack river abound* 



lor (illy 
led with 



41 

lalmon, shad, alewives and sturgeon,* together with 
Various kinds of smaller fish, with these the mouth 
of Concord river was al o stored. Some of the 
s mallei jtrei m , particularly stone} brook, abound" 
ed with shad and alewives- For some years the in- 
habitants used them to manure their fields. Artifi- 
cial obstructions across these rivers and brooks, and 
other causes have greatly diminished the (ish;so 
(hat they are rather desirable as a luxury, thap 
an ari icle <>f cheap living. 

The quantity of salmon,shad and ale wive caught 
in Chelmsford annually may be computed al about 
25 hundred barrels, besides a large quantity of other 
fiflh of less value. 

Milk* 

The advantages of the brooks and rivers above 
mentioned will best appear from the number ol 
Mills, Machines and Manufact< riesj built upon them. 
There arc six saw- mills; seven grist mills; one wool 
en manufactory; and iron works, where hoes' and .hov- 
els are manufactur'd,and van >us kind i ofcui iou i work 
done, and iron-, tor machinery oastl ; a CullingMill and 

clothier's shoj>. Also a vry curium loom lor we \ 
ibg hoot-strap?, moved entirely by water. Tin 
loom, constructed by Mr. John Goldiug is a e 
curiosity in these parts, and will, it i, believed, 
a handsome income to the ingenious and "■ leiatiga' 
blc o\vri(;r, 

J. i mi-.. 

In the south west part of flu town, is a Bed of 
limestone, of an excellent quality extending twp 

*M< rn.-r, ■ • m the Indian lai 

the eai ii .,; thi country, «' i 

Kiif.r. Jti 

Weim, Ames ic fisher. 



42 

miles north-east. It has five lime kilns upon it, anti 
from which are annually drawn, about a thousand 
hogsheads, which may be estimated at $5 per hogs- 
head. 

Peal. 

Peat has been lately found in sundry places. — 
Few experiments have yet been made to ascertain 
its quantity or quality. From the few that have 
been made, it appears* highly probable, that many 
meadows now esteemed of little value, contain vast 
treasures of furl, from which future generations will 
draw their supplies, as the present do from their 
wood lands. 

Granite. 

In the north west part of the town, are granite of 
superior beauty and excellence. They are not 
found in quarries, but on the surface of the earth, 
or partly sunk into it. They are of various sizes 
and dimensions, from one to a hundred tons' weight. 
They are first split with iron wedges, and then 
wrought into any form by hammers and other iron 
tools, at the pleasure of the workman. They arc 
in so great demand for the construction of dwelling 
houses, churches and public edifices, that eight 
workmen, the last season (1817) were notable to 
answer the urgent calls, which were made for them. 
A quantity of the value of twelve thousand dollars 
and upwards, was transported the last year, in a 
rough state through Middlesex Canal, to the state 
Prison in Charlestovva,whe'e they were hammered 
and prepared for the builder's use by the convicts.- 
So extensive has become the knowledge, and so cel- 
ebrated the beauty of them, that an elegant church 
was built of them at Savannah, Georgia, in 18 18.-^- 



43 

J hey are found in divers parts of the town ; bin 
tiie best and whitest are in Merrimack plain, or 
New field, and the adjacent part of Tyngsborough. 
They have acquired the common and discriminating 
name of 'Chelmsford granite.' 

The amount of stones wrought in Chelmsford, 
and transported to Boston and other places, in |8l#| 
is estimated at upwards of 25,000 dollars. 

Clay. 

Beds of clay have been opened in sundry places 
and considerable attention has been paid to the mak- 
ing of brick ; particularly in the east part of the 
town. The clay is not of the purest and best kind ; 
hut is manufactured to good advantage. The local 
situation and quality of the clay, hold out advanta- 
ges sufficient to induce enterprising men to carry on 
the brick-making business upon a more extensive 
plan, than has yet been attempted. 

Schools. 

The town is divided into eleven districts. In ali 
which from eight to ten hundred dollars are annual- 
ly expended in the instruction of about five hundred 
youths of both sexes. A portion of the money in 
each district is annually expended in hiring an in- 
structress to teach the young children and particu- 
larly Misses, during the summer months. 

Traders. 

The usual and stated number of Traders in English 
and West India Goods, is seven. Two at Pawtuck- 
ett bridge, two at the head of Middlesex canal, one 
on the turnpike, half a mile east of the meeting 
bouse, and two in the centre of the town. 

£2 



44 

Inn-Keepers. 

There are usually six or eight inn-keeper??, who 
are situated in different parts of the town on the 
public roads, to subserve their own emolument and 
the public convenience. 

New County. 

The project of a new county to be formed from 
1 w^q the north westerly part of Middlesex, con- 
siderably agitated the minds of the inhabi- 
tants of this and several of the neighboring towns. — 
Committees were chosen in this and the tourfollow- 
jng \ears, to meet with committees from other 
towns, ' in order to draw up and project a scheme 
for electing a new county in the north westerly part 
of Middlesex.' The contemplated county was to 
embrace Groton, Townsend, Pepperill, Dunstable, 
Merrimack,* Dracut, Litchfield, Chelmsford, West- 
fofdj Littleton, Concord, Bedford, Billerica and 
Tewksbury, Merrimack and Litchfield, were then 
considered as belonging to Massachusetts. But 
when the line between Massachusetts and New- 
Hampshire alter a long dispute, was finally estab- 
lished, they were taken into N. Hampshire. The 
subject of dividing the county was revived again in 
J7b3. But was finally given up*. 

The separation of Westford, excited some un- 
easii ess among the more distant inhabitants in the 
north east part of Chelmsford ; a number of whom 
petitioned the town for leave to form a separate 
precinct. Their petition was rejected and the re- 
presentative instructed to oppose it in the general 
court. This project for a separation was abandon- 
ed. 

*The boundaries between Xe-ir -Hampshire and Massachusetts, were 
settled in 1737. 

2739.— Pound was built.— 1730— Wall built round the Ministry, 



45 

We omitted to notice in its proper place, in or- 
der to preserve the narrative of the separation of 
Westford entire, a circumstance which led to the 
annexing of the great neck,* or Indian town, to 
Chelmsford. This land was sold by the Indians in 
small parcels, and gradually occupied by the pur- 
chasers from Chelmsford and other towns, who en- 
joyed equal privileges in the town with the other 
inhabitants, till the representative, Mr. Stephen 
Pierce, who had been chosen to represent the town 
in the general court for 12 years, was denied a seat 
in the house. The said Pierce lived in the Indian 
town.t which had never been annexed by act of 
court to Chelmsford, though the last purchase of 
the Indians was made in 1(586. Mr. Pierce was re- 
fused a seat in the house as the representative of 
Chelmsford, because he did not reside in that town. 
This repulse was followed by a refusal on the part 
of the inhabitants, residing within the Indian grant, 
to pay their taxes to the town ot Chelmsford. The 
confusion, into which the town was thrown, led to 
the proper remedy. The town petitioned the 
Court, that the Indian town called Pawtuckett, or 
more commonly Wamesit, might be annexed to the 
town of Chelmsford. The great neck or Indian 
town, was accordingly annexed to Chelmsford by 
act of Court 1726. This act included both Concord 
river neck, and the great neck so called, or the 
whole Indian township, lying between Merrimack 
river and Concord river. 

Baxter's Works — 1730. 

Samuel Holden, Esq. of London, whose muni- 
ficence was extended to several other churches and 

*See Appendix No. 10. 

tHis house, the cellar of which is now visible, was between Capt, 
Isaac Chamberlain's and Mr. Samuel Marshall's house*. 



46 

incorporations in America,* presented to the church 
and congregation in Chelmsford, the works of Rich- 
ard Baxter, in four folio volumes. This donation 
was made at the desire of Richard Bill, Esq. of Bos- 
ton. It was the donor's direction that the minister 
and two brethren of the congregation be accounted 
the trustees of this gift ; that one volume be always 
kept in or near the house of worship for the use of 
people on the Sabbath ; that the other volumes be 
lent to the inhabitants of the town, and to neighbor- 
ing ministers within three or four miles, to be re? 
turned at the expiration of 3 months. 

Mr. Stoddard's Death — 1740. 

We come to another pause in the Irstory of the 
town, the surprising death of Mr Stoddard. For 
three or four years previous to his death, he was 
exercised with dejection of spirit and a partial de- 
rangement, by which he was incapacitated to dis- 
charge the public duties of his office. During his indis- 
position the town partially supplied the desk at 
their own expence. His sun descended in thick 
clouds, Aug. 23, 1740f. 

On the 13th, Oct. at a public town meeting, it was 
resolved that the 23d inst. be set apart as a day of 
solemn fasting, and that the Reverend's Mr. Baxter, 
Mr. Hancock, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Swan, together 

*He bestowed cbarites in New England, to the amount of £4,847— 
His wife and daughter, £5,585. 
tHe was found dead in his well. 

1733 — An oider passed to build a house for the poor — The same year 
ihe town treasurer paid 1/. for the head of a wild cat ; and four pounde 
for the head of a wolf, to be reimbursed by the Province Treasurer ac- 
cording to act of court. 

1737 — Road from Hunt's to Clarke's ferry, south side of Merrimack, 
laid out by order of the court of sessions. 

1741 — The town treasurer paid 47/. 10s. for squirrils, crows and black 
birds— squirrils 2548— black birds 522— crows 29. 

1742.— paid 33*. 19s. for 1922 squirrils and 168 black birds, one 
crow! 



47 

with the pail-holders, be invited to attend and give 
their advice relative to the settling of another min- 
ister. At the same time it was voted to pay Mrs. 
Stoddard, 132/. lor the charges of the funeral of 
her deceased husband, and their lamented Pastor, 



18 



SECTION IV 



Mr. Bridge— 1740. 

"Men never appear with greater dignity than 
when performing tnose joint-acts of worship, by 
which they honor their maker and improve their 
own minds." Dr. Sumner. 

In about four months after the decease of Mr. 
Stoddard, the town 'unanimously made choice of 
Mr. Eb.Bridge,to be their minister.' For his support 
they granted him IW>/. yearly as a salary, and 500/. 
as a settlement; (<» be paid in province hills. At a 
subsequent meeting 20/. more in province lulls was 

added to liis yearly support/ lie was ordained on 
the 20th of May 1*741. 

Intermission between the public exercises on the 
sabbath, was very judiciously regulated for 
the accommodation and convenience of all 
the inhabitants of acountry parish or town. Ii was 
one hour and a half, during the three spring months, 
two hours during the summer months ; one hour 
and a half through the lad months, and oik- hour in 
winter. Tins arrangement was re-established in 
1816. 

♦Tin • urn "i ,'du/ iii paper ourrenoj al thai time wbj equivalent to a- 
bout $112,68, and bWl in do. equivalent to $608 70 Vn ot« nee ofsil- 
rer, or 6-104 wai Recounted in 1741, equal to 28t. paper currency.— 

Bet |iiim 1 1 (iinj; table,page,28. Wi»»l wa- iOahilliugi pei uord. or about 
:;7 .1 nis 

1741. — Tail and leveral successive years, iJcrsoiiH were chustn to pre- 



43 

The perpetual changes io the iralue oi the cii 
culating medium, or paper currency, which 
bo em tarrased '.y<'\<' and business, subjected 
ministers to i^rc:tt sufferings and involved them in 
continual contentions with their parishes, who were 
backward to <lo justice, and slow to understand their 
own duty, or to symphathize with their suifering 
teachers. The period of Mr. Bridge's ministry, 
was peculiarly trying to Clergy men. In nine peai 
from the settlement of Mr. Bridge, the medium on 

which his salary was calculated, had lost mac than 
half its value. In reality it matters not whcih< r the 
value of money fall, or the price oil he neci iries <<i 
lite rise. The only standard to prove trie value of 
an annual stipend is the number of necessaries and 
conveniences it will purchase. The depreciation of 

salaries from l7<i!) to 18)5, h;is heen in full propor- 
tion to that of paper currency during the nine first 
years of Mr. Bridge's ministry 

But so just to themselves and to Mr. Bridge, v. 
the people as to enter into a new contract, estab- 
lishing his salary upon coin, rye, beel and pork. — 
But even this was found on two year's expert* nee 
to be attended with many difficulties. In 1752 

yeot the &i itrnction ol Deer, agreeably to a law ol the provii 

174 _'.—-<; ave Daniel Shute £& pei month for teaching school—but 
io IT44, tbey hired him for £& lawful money— -which i* tru firsl record 
nad< on the town books in lawful moneys after tbi ation of j/.r 

per moDJ y 

1711; — \na';t was patted fol calling Ml bill- Of credit, \,y a lax <A 

75,000/ to be i<;j"i in bill* of credit, of the n<-w or middle t< n< r, ■ , bj 
Spanish dollars, at the rate of lis. and '-i<t. of the U 
far<i, paid :i(j.5/. 15*. province tax and 30/. 1*. ..,,,,, „iu iye, 

Billerica 315/. 15 do. and 40/ 7*. •<</ le i ien< ' 

1751. — Road laid out thro i i If, from Uilk-rica line. 

,. ii'.i'i to /.' bi diah k- .< -' b 

1750— Town records, first dab •/ to the new style. 

1752. — Began the lone struggle to form a new town from tlie ( 
tfChelowford, Concord, B< '< rd, BUIerji a and A ton. 

1753— The meeting>house ••■,.- repaired \<y clapboarding with 
split cl new window frames .. n m and' (be 

new glazed. Mfcajah .Morrill, of halisUiry, waj emplo/i 
9laa«- it forhii lerricei 12/. 



,.» 

Hi. i ■ im . .1 i .in ni \, a . mutually mule, by 

I I,,. I. hi i ill. u .. ii ., .1 .ii 80/. lawful money and 

ilni i \ i i i .1 . ol w I. Tin , w.i . In . atatod stipend 

ilui in ■ 1 1 if i <ni mi.K i <.i lir, mini Ms . Frequent ad 
dition . were in i« I • after thii to render the nominal 
urn « .|in\ ,i hi to iti real value at the time of this 

. .Mill .1, I 

.Ion. i T , i ■ , folm Alibrd Tyng and WilUrd Hall, 
(inn. petitioned the town to see if the) 
w ,.,i'.i | ,.ii 300 .KM' ■ <"' land ^^ the north 
er-li id< ol ( 'helm I I lun I ible, The (v>wn 

■ | pted the petition and instructed ih<- represents 
tiv( to ii ■ ■■ hiH influence to * pre\ enl the gi 6 u and 
■ I. i i . n u in -i mting the re jue 1 ol the p< 
(in. • n. i . ' \\ het hei ii *\ ai o ow ins to the influent i 

o| lli, |m i ii i.M,,i , ..i i li.n po\\ 01 ml .ii -iinu'ir . i 

• n|i|...i i ..i i ii, ii i que I we know not But the • ud 

I ni.i w i ••! i ding i" their v\ iahes, w huh i 

i h. , the . \ 1 1 .in roo i dne ol the lin< 

.. ween T> n hoi pugh and < 'helm i.m.i. IT,.- an 
. | i ind i" I hm stable, hi ought all the 

Tyng farm within that towni and made the town 
line , ,.ii.,.i mi to it • bound 

\boul t lii • time much diati ice was chm i tinned 
u ii hi, I . I lide, .i T i\ loi . w ho 

m.n ,.l into the outh part < 

., i ,m i i i i r.'i n •..',•! ion ol i he tow w b< ii \ i 
d in t \\f>\\ ^ iihi ' I tempts to be . 
i < h, I,,. ,,.i,i, in ordei to unite v\ ith *undr\ ii* 

\\{ i tOV\ '!■■ tO fo| m (h. | 

I" Carl \\ I heii minda \* i i ■■• predi *po 

fled \n ith .un . ■ thin 

;n,i f.i •.! i notion, how ev< contrary ordei ot 

■...-•, 
| 

' ■ | » 



In vvoi hip. r ; ' "' ,u >" 

imunout old isatlact ion ottered himttetl >• t; 
and turned aw \ m u\\ from thou" imi J pi m 

\\ m ■siii|«. \ i ' . . > W . ■ • -\ -■■ I liureh uuiu 

:• i ,w ho .■ u i ,- iful u c >nduol w • • thou ■. 

. ' ' i l< IJ-llll. | 

OX( m;>' ' \ l klkdoi uu! It 1 1 1 1 \ b\ lilt- 

church for foui toon yoai • t\nd v\ il [i r 2l» vi 

they wnr nil brought ba< k to the Ibltli whew i lue) 

Ii.mI »l<|> ii l.il * 

'The roou t to be u with I he - 

i mi . of ( 'ai li lo v> id i 

train * I * nu-il l>\ the low n. But iu I 
notitionoi • iii i he i< uth pel ul ( 'helm u ul, w 

i mm ul i'- i • belonging to Hilloi ie i. llodford, ^ 
imi ( loncord, obtained tui ui ( "in i, hot I 

: lit) imIi iImi.iiii . .-I 1 li- ii.m o . m,I | m\ [] I l.< iheW I 

w !i\ the I'" >\ er ol the pet il iouei i hould not be 

■ i uited. '" i 780 then vv( i 

» 1 1. 1 in t!H).'» incoi ["-I ited into .> tow u hi 

Carliile 

.l»> hi \ Iti . 1 1 v w , I ' iq ul I lo itoiii pi i touted i 
in.- . 1 1 1 1 1 . 1 1 .i yon elegant loliu liible, to l" 1 road 

if I . m, Url ' 

i i ' in i li li - ' ■ I K>h ftviu Nv»\ 

,.,,,, i ,. . 

- » . i * 1 1 il. . i>. i ul tin u m in i i. ; p 

..ii i n.| ii, province, 

i 

ill . . ii, . i 
ii .i I 
i i i ,, i , .i i i . i,i, i . , . , 

» I,, I In ii 

''"■'l.i • III I II 

| ,i ii, ; . , i, \ i\ 


|i iri -i II , Hi il ill i 

|n ' ■" li < , •■ 

, ,, , , ., l.i.., 

• l m i- i. kill i 'i i >• I 



52 

publicly on the Lord's days. It is printed on thick* 
wire-wove paper with a large lair type. Both the 
paper and execution of the work excel any edition 
of the Bible, that has been carried through the 
press in this country. It was printed in 1739. 

The conditions and provisions annexed by the 
generous Donor, are these : viz. 'that the Bible be 
read publicly in the Congregation on the Lord's 
days. That it be used in this wise by the minister 
of the church and congregation and by him only — 
That if at any time there should be more than one 
church in this town, the aforesaid Bible is to be the 
property of the first chui ^h ; and if the practice of 
reading the scriptures publicly should cease by 
vote of said church, then the said Bible s given by 
the Donor to the Minster of said church for the time 
being, not to be his own property, but to be used 
and improved by him and his successors always.' — 
This Bible was new bound at the expence ot the 
church 1812. 

The ministerial land was cleared. It was con- 
,-£„ sidered of little value to the ministers, who 
were supplied with wood by the town. Mr. 
Bridge, with a view to the improvement of the land 
and future advantage of the to'vn agreed with" sun- 
dry persons to cut and carry oil the wood, on condi- 
tion that they would clear also and mow the bushes 
a certain number of times." The wood was carried 
oif, but the conditions were not complied with, as 
appears from the following letter, addressed to the 
town. 

Brethren — I have been using some endeavors for several 
-years, to have the ministry cleared, in a manner advantag- 
eous to the town, as well as to myself. That 1 might 'not 
do any damage through my own unskilfulness and want of 
judgement in such an affair, 1 asked the favor of IV_r. f"er- 
ham to assist me so far as to assign to the persons their re- 
spective lots, and to say how many times they should mow 
the bushes. Mr, Perham, accordingly afforded me his 



5S 

help, and the persons took their lots upon certain conditions 
as he is able to testify. They have cut and carried oil' the 
wood, but as yet the conditions are not performed. It is 
my desire to live peaceably, therefore could use no other 
than persuasive arguments with the persons concerned.— 
1 hese have proved ineffectual. Therefore ask the favor of 
the town to interfere and see that justice be done; because 
it the matter remain so, damage will arise to the town. 

Your servant in the Gospel, 

EBENEZER BRIDGE. 

To Samson Stoddard, Esq. Moderator, to be communicated. 
March 7, 1 763. 

As we approach the memorable era at which the 
1765 ar duous struggle for the preservation of the 
'rights belonging to british subjects' com- 
menced, the municipal transactions become peculiar- 
ly interesting. A minute detail of which will do 
honor to the actors of that day, and instruct poster- 
ity by developing the resources which a distressed 
and indigent yet united people always find within 
themselves, and the effectual energies, which a free 
people can put in requisition for the attainment of 
their liberties. Tho' highly loyaI,while the hope of 
redress, or of royal justice could be reasonably cher- 
ished ; yet when forced to relinquish it, the hihabi- 
tants of this town entered into all the measures, re- 
commended by the provisional and provincial gov- 
ernment with a promptness, decision and ardor, un- 
rivalled by any town in the province, or continent. 

When the stamp act in 1765, began to excite tu- 
mults and riotous opposition in these colonies, CoL 
Samson Stoddard, the representative requested in- 
structions how to act with regard to this affair. A 
committee was appointed to draw up instructions, 
who reported the following, which were unanimous.' 
ly adopted. 

1768.— Wood per cord about 87 cents. 



This being a time when by reason ofseverat „cte. 

of parliament not only tin. province, but all the n- 
.gliih colonies on this continent are thrown into the 
Stmost confusion and perplexity; the stamp, ct as 
we apprehended, not only lays an «1,t«t onal 
but also an insupportable tax upon us, and den lives 
us as we humbly conceive, of those rights, and pm- 
LeeB to which we are entitled as free-born subjects 
of Great Britain by the royal charter. \\ here lore 
t think it our duty and interest at this epical con- 
juncture of our public affairs, to direct you, sir, om 
iepresentative to be so far from countenancing the 
execution of the aforesaid stamp act, that you use 
your best endeavors, that such measures may 
taken and such remonstrances made to the King and 
Parliament, as may obtain a speedy repeal ot the a- 
foresaid act; and a removal of the burden upon trade. 
We also desire you to exert your influence to use 
the public monies with frugality and to the promo- 
tion of the interest of the people at large. 
EPHRA1M SPALDING, } 
AARON CHAMBERL1N, > Committer 
TIMOTHY CLARKE. ) 
When governor Bernard hastily and passionately 
„ CQ dissolved the General Court ; < on a propose 
1768 of the selectmen of Boston, to the several 
towns in the colony, for a convention to deliberate 
on constitutional measures, to obtain redress ot then 
grievances,' this town was among the ninety eigiit, 

Orie-m of Baptist in JVew England. .< . _„. 

The first seperation If th/an^baptists to taapec^ ^^ 
at Rehoboth 16.51. From this, .prang a church in Swansey, out 
proceeded the first church in Boston, gathered May 28, 16b5. 
Baptist Church in CMmsford. . 

On the 22d of Oct. mf-nine menand fifteen womjjgj-jd^ 
ly from the 2d Baptist church in Boston, united n fo i m mg owr 
Chelmsford, agreeable to the Calvan.sfc ^Baptist pnnc iple ^ 1 nc 
p ast0 r was Rev. El.sha Rich , ordained ^^Jv^J^ who was sue- 
T voars and was succeeded by tne uev. .'vui&uai *~> , 

ceicd by the Rev. John Feckin., the present pastor. Jiec. of Bap. CI, 



55 

h sent committees to this convention. Col. 
Stodclanl was chosen to meet in convention with oth- 

tmmittces at Boston, April 22 'to consult the 
good of the province in loyalty to Ins Majesty.' 

January 11 — 1773. 

At a town meeting called i to know the sentiments 
of the people, relative to certain grievances under 
which the colony is laboring, particularly the extra- 
ordinary stipends ot the Judges of the superior court 
appointed from home ; also to consider a Bill of rights 
and a letter from the town of Boston, a committee 
was raised to report upon this subject,* who at an ad- 
journed meeting reported as follows. 

We are fully of opinion that the inhabitants of 
this province are justly entitled to all the privileges 
of Englishmen arid to all those rights inseperable 
from them as members of a free community. We 
are sensible that some of these rights are endanger- 
ed. In such unhappy circumstances, the only ques- 
tion that can arise is. \\ hat method is most suitable 
to obtain redress. Whatever doubts may arise a- 
bout the particular mode, of this we are confident, 
that all rash, passionate proceedures are unjustifia- 
ble in so delicate a crisis. VV hen a community- 
thinks its rights endangered, they should always 
weigh consequences, and be very cautious, lest they 
run into a step, that may be attended with the most 
deplorable effects. 

*David Spalding, Jona. W. Austin, Esq. f - Barren, Samuc. 

Perhara and Ber.j. Waiker. 

1770. — Col. Simeon Spalding, was prtsent at the extraordinary ses- 
sion held in Harvard College. 

1771 — The town cleared up part of the ministry land, for which tbey 
paid 82. The occupant .Mr. Brifl.e had agreed to mow the hushes an- 
nually, if the town would clear it op faithfully by a stipulated time. 

The condition not beiue fu:.. part of the town, the oc 

refused to perform his pait. Thus it remained uncultivated and 
useless until 1803. 

In 1772, Jan 14 and 15, a roeetitg house w • 
Fond for the worship of the Baptist so< 



aG 



• The cause of liberty, says a fine writer, is a cause 
of too much dignity to be settled by turbulence and 
tumult. When the passions of a people are inflam- 
ed, reason is too often silenced; and they soon tor- 
S et the cause, in which they originally embarked.— 
Whereas the patriot on true principles always en- 
deavors to keep those principles m view .Con- 
scious that he is a member oi community, he will 
endeavor to come up to all the obligations resulting 
therefrom, and keep overy part thereof en ire .- 
Therefore, while he coolly and tirmly pleads his 
own rio-ht, he will not forget that of his sovereign ; 
but will be always sensible that loyalty to the sove- 
reign and regard to the liberties of the subject are 
very consistent things." We are full and clear m 
these sentiments and hope to regulate our conduct 
bv them. We at present labor under grievances — 
$e heartily concur with our brethren ol Boston, 
that it is high time these grievances were redressed. 
But we think the General Court, who represent the 
province the only proper body to perform this task. 
We are therefore of opinion that we can do nothing 
Consistent with that wisdom, which should govern a 
free people ; but prepare the following instructions 
to our representative." 

To Mr. Simeon Spalding, Representative of the town of 
Chelmsford, in the General Court of this province. 

« We would earnestly caution you against consent- 
ing to any rash and passionate measures, which will 
not only sully the dignity, but finally prove the utter 
destruction of the cause we pretend to support 

The following remarks are worthy the considera- 
tion of all just and wise men, when they deliberate 
on the stipends of men in public office, whether m 
church or state. 



5V 

' The stipends, say they, annexed to the offices of 
the Judges of the superior court are complained of 
as a grievance ; hut would it not be proper at least 
to enquire, whether this be not in a great measure 
owing to some defect in ourselves ; whether tiie pro- 
vision formerly made by us was not miserably de- 
ficient, and utterly unworthy the highest court we 
boast of, and the dignity of the province itself.' 

' We hope those little animosities and reflection?: 
that involve persons not things, and which have 
been too frequently used, may be utterly banished • 
that you will be careful not to trample on Maiesty^ 
while you are firmly but decently pleading for the 
liberties of the subject. In fine we wish you thai: 
wisdom, which is from above, and we pray God. 
that your conduct may be such in this important cri- 
sis as the coolest reflection will justifv,' 

May 30—1774, 

To be ready to meet the storm, which was collect- 
ing, committees of correspondence were chosen in 
every town. By these committees, information was 
easily communicated, and the people enabled to act 
in concert. 

The committee of correspondence appointed at 
a meeting of free-holders, consisted of Jona. Wil- 
liams Austin, Esq. Capt. Oliver Barron, Samuel Per- 
ham, David Spalding, Benjamin Walker, Aaron 
Chamberhn, Capt. Moses Parker, Samuel Stevens, 
.Jr. and Simeon Spalding. 

"Then at a very fulf meeting of the free-holder* 
and other inhabitants in consequence of letters sent 
from Boston, containing matters of as great impor- 
tance as ever came before a town meeting, the town 
proceeded to give their sentiments in the following 
spirited declaration." 



:$ 



It is the opinion of this town that the present day 
is as dark and distressing a day as tins country ever 
experienced. And when we consider the aspect ot 
the times, we think the question is whether we will 
submit to the arbitrary, lawless, tyrannical will ot a 
minister, or by using those powers | given by the Uod 
of nature and which it were sacrilege to ™der ? 
we will prevent so awful a catastrophe. It is ex- 
tremely afflictive to consider, that if we are made 
slaves, it will be by a nation in whom we have glori- 
ed, whose honor was dear to us, and to secure wnosc 
reputation the best, the richest blood ot this coun- 

trv has been spilt. ,-'..-, i r +1,; 

"Whoever is acquainted with the annals 0* this 
country must know, that there never was a time, 
when it was not our ambition to expend life and 
treasure for the service of Great Britain. And 
when after all this waste of blood and treasure we 
found acts, passed for the purpose of raising a rev- 
enue, the direct tendency of winch was to entail 
slavery upon us, and upon our posterity we were 
willing to P impute it to any other cause than a direct 
intention. And it has been to the honor o '.tig 
towns in this province, in their instructions to then 
representatives, and of the house of representatives 
in their proceedings, that they have ^monstiaed 
and reasoned on the nature, tendency and conse- 
quences of such acts. But these remonstrances and 
arguments have been totally disregarded. 

After cool reflection we are* oi opinion, that the 
notion of the right of parliament to tax the people 
without their consent for the purpose of raising a 
revenue is utterly unconstitutional. We have no 
conception of taxation without representation. And 

First Provincial Congress at Cambridge, ™±*Zrf%*£** 

pxpeuces to each class about 01. 4s. 1-2J. 



59 

as we suppose it productive of absolute slavery, so 
we must be justified in never submitting to it. 

France was once tree, but in consequence of sub- 
nutting to taxation without representation, their es- 
tates and lives are at the absolute disposal of the 
king. Tiie Cortes of Spain had once the same 
rights as our parliament ; but having allowed the 
King on a particular occasion to raise money with- 
out their interposition, they lost their authority, and 
the people their freedom. 

The present act respecting the blocking up of the 
port of Boston, we consider dangerous and destruc- 
tnc. We are not so lost to every generous prin- 
ciple of the human miiid. as not to sympathize with 
our brethren of Boston, who have in a more especial 
sense been struggling Jn a common cause, and are 
now suffering for our common liberties. We are 
determined to support with all our power the town 
of Boston, in defence of rights common to us all, and 
never to submit to the iron hand of despotism and 
oppression. 

It is with grief we find, that the house of repre- 
sentatives are removed from their ancient seat in 
Boston. We hope, that as former houses have 
protested against such indignity, so the present house 
will not tamely acquiesce in it. 

We are obliged to say, that so far from thinking 
the late Governor Hutchinson a friend, we look up- 
on him to have been enimical to the province, and 
we think the man who aouM ' abridge English lib- 
erties,' would willingly see the town of Boston ruin- 
ed, and tlie civil policy of the province subverted. * 

We resent the base treatment, which that illus- 
trious defender of American liberties, Dr. Franklin, 
has received for detecting such wicked designs, and 
we have the pleasure to be assured, that though he 

/I2 



Hi) 

may be reTiled, he cannot be disgraced." May he 
still live to be the guardian of our rights, and the 
scourge of the enemies of our liberty on both sides 
pf the Atlantic ; and when he dies, may mourning 
patriots erect a monument of marble, to perpetuate 
his memory. *-***** 

In such a situation we do not think it sufficient 
only to weep at the distresses of our country ; but 
"we believe that our union is our life, the contrary 
pur death. We mean therefore to preserve this 
union inviolable at all hazards. We are determin- 
ed in a manly, firm, virtuous, and joint way, neither 
to yield to fear on the one hand, nor intrigue on 
the other, m defending and preserving our liberties. 
And before they are wrested from us, we will strug- 
gle hard, very hard for them, considering ourselves 
as the guardians of unborn millions. And O our 
God, in the midst of this struggle, which we think is 
agreeable to thy will, we look up to thee for direc- 
tion and assistance ! May the liberties of America, 
sitill flourish under thy smile, as they anciently did 

* §ee Ann. vol. 2 page 317, Dr. Holmes. 

Provincial Congress, TVatertotan. Jilay 1, 1775. 
It has been represented to this Congress, that about five thousand of 
tiie inhabitants of Boston, are indigent and unable to be at the expense 
of removing themselves. Therefore resolved that the Selectmen and 
Committees of Correspondence most convenient to Boston, aid and as- 
sist such poor inhabitants >>f taid town, with teams and waggons as shall 
procure a certificate from the Committee of donations, that they are not 
able to remove themselves. And it is further recommended to the Se- 
lectmen of the several towns specified in the annexed schedule to pro* 
vide for such inhabitants, in the best and most prudent waj', until this ov 
some other Congress, take further order thereon, and render their ac 
counts to this or some future Congress or house of representatives for al- 
lowance, which reasonable accounts shall be repaid out of the public 
treasury. 

The form of the certificate was as follows, "The bearer — and his fami- 
ly, removing out of the town of Boston, are recommended to the charity 
and assistance of cmr sympathizing brethren in the several towns in this 
province. 

By order of the Committee of donations. 

Four in family. A. N. — Clerk. 

Accoiding to the schedule referred to above, 49 persons were assigned 
to Chelmsford ^nd 54 to Billcrica. ropers en file, Toivn Clerk's Office, 



01 

»u the days of our fathers. And do thou give us a 
head to contrive and a heart to execute! Grant 
that in the most adverse situation of our affairs, we 
may trust in thee. And may this be the prevailing 
sentiment of us all, 'In freedom we're born and in 
freedom we'll die'. 

Septcmbe r 29 — 177-1. 

A town meeting was called to choose a represen* 
fative to attend at the next session ot the General 
Court, to be holden at Salem, Oct. 5. The repre- 
sentative was instructed to adhere firmly to the 
charter of this province, granted by William and 
Mary, and to do no act which could be possibly con- 
strued into an acknowledgement of the validity of 
the act of parliament for altering the government* 
of the Massachusetts Bay — to acknowledge the Hon, 
Board of Counsellors, elected by the general court 
last May,as the only rightful, constitutional Council 
of this province ; to join with the members, who 
may be sent from other towns in the province, and 
meet with them at a time to be agreed on in a gen- 
eral Provincial Congress. 

When Parliament on hearing of the destruction 
of the tea in Boston, passed the act, which shut up 
the harbor of Boston, and deprived its inhabitants 
of the means of subsistence, this town expressed 
their deep sympathy in an address, and evinced the 
bincerity of it by sending immediate relief. A drove 
of sheep was gratuitously collected and Messrs. 
Samuel Howard and Simeon Stevens, appointed to 

*The Council heretofore had been chosen by the geneial court, but 
an act of parliament, passed this year, invested the right of appointing 
counsellors in the crown, and that of appointing and removing Judges ot 
the inferior courts, commissioners, sheriffs, &c. in the Governor. See 
Ramsey's His. Am. Rev. vol. 1, p. 105. 

1774. — A new burying place, was granted and given in the south west 
part of the town, by Dr. John Betty, and accepted by the town.- 



62 

take charge of them and see them delivered to the 
sufferers in Boston. 

At the first Provincial meeting in Concord, two 
delegates Jona. W. Austin,Esq. and Samuel Perham, 
appointed by the town, were present. For an ad- 
journed meeting of this provincial congress in Cam- 
bridge, Feb.], 1775, was chosen a new delegate, 
Col. Simeon Spalding. To carry the measures, a- 
doptedat this and a subsequent meeting on the fol- 
lowing November into operation a committee of In- 
spection was chosen, consisting of Capt. Oliver Bar- 
ron, Dr. Jonas Marshall and Capt. Benjamin V\ alker, 
whose duty was to prevent the purchase and sale of 
any goods, wares and merchandize, imported from 
Great Britain, Ireland and the provinces thereunto 
belonging. A committee of correspondence was al- 
so raised and joined with the Committee of Inspec- 
tion, unitedly constituting a committee of safety. 

Agreeably to the plan, proposed by the provincial 
congress, for the immediate defence of the province, 
the^town voted to raise fifty two minute men, includ- 
ing officers, who were to be disciplined half a day 
every week, and to receive 8d. per man, for every 
half day over and above what the militia are disci- 
plined : To equip the alarm list, and to provide arms, 
and blankets for the soldiers, to be enlisted under 
Capt. John Ford. 

Moral Reform— 1 774. 

Though the town has never been very much dis- 
tinguished for dissipation of manners, for idleness 
and intemperance, riot and excess ; yet at this time 
it seems there were certain persons of loose morals 
and dangerous habits, who were introducing and a- 
betting practices highly alarming to the more sober 
and virtuous part of community. To arrest the 
progress of growing iniquity, an article was inserted 



S3 

in a warrant lor calling a town meeting, of the ioi 
lowing import, viz. to see if the town will empower 
some suitable persons to take such measures as they 
shall think proper to punish and discourage vice and 
profaneness, and call to an account idle, disorderly 
persons, who waste their time and substance in pub- 
lic houses at unlawful gaming, horse-racing and ex- 
cessive drinking, frolicking and sabbath-breaking. — 
Upon this article the town adopted a judicious mea- 
sure, which may instruct future generations, how to 
proceed in like circumstances. The Selectmen and 
fifteen others* were empowered to devise and exe- 
cute such measures as they may think proper for 
promoting a reformation among persons of the above 
description. 

The committee reported as follows. 'That the 
said Committee make inquiry and obtain the best 
information that may be had of idle, disorderly per- 
sons, who waste their time and substance at public 
or private houses, in unlaw tul gaming, excessive 
drinking, or frolicking, and such as are known to be 
frequently at horse-racing, or guilty of profane curs- 
ing and swearing, or of Sabbath breaking, or of an/ 
other unlawful and unbecoming behaviour ; and that 
their company be shunned ; and that people leave 
off dealing with them as far as is consistent with 
good reason and justice, not entertaining them in their 
houses by night or by day ; but manifesting a dislike 
to their conduct, and bearing testimony against their 
vicious practices, look upon them as disturbers of the 
peace and good order of society ; that the committee 
converse with such persons, and use their endeavors 

*Seleotmen. — David Spalding, Capt. Oliver Barron, Joseph Warren, 
-Tohn Minot, Ztbnlon Spalding. 

Committee.— Simeon Spalding, Joseph Adams, Jona. Bigford, Aaron 
Obamberlin, Samuel Stevens, Jr. John Ford, Benjamin Parker, John Rob- 
ins, Denja Walker, Dr J. Marshall, Thomas Marshall, Samuel Hovrard, 
David Parker, Benja. Fletcher f<nd William Picrr- 



fet 

i'o reform them ; and that those continuing in sucri 
practices, be put out by the committee to some non- 
est and lawful employment; and finally that the 
town will aid. assist and support said Committee in 
proceeding with such offenders accordingly.' This 
report was unanimously accepted, and the measures 
it prescribes, were found effectual to the desired re- 
form. Let vice be branded with ignominy, and it 
will hide its head in confusion. 

May 29~177o. 

Col. Simeon Spalding was elected to represent 
the town in a Provincial Congress at Watertown, 
which was to meet on the 31st inst- He was em- 
T 1 q powered to act in this capacity six month? 

' * and no longer. The same year, the town 
directed the Selectmen to purchase 4 cwt. of sugar 
and 300 bushels of salt at Salem, to be kept for the 
town's use. 

To all the actual engagements on this memorable 
year, the town contributed its full proportion of 
men and means, and bore its share in the misfor- 
tunes of both. Col. Moses Parker and Capt. Benja, 
Walker, were wounded in the battle on Breed's, or 
as it is more commonly called Bunker's hill, carried 
captive into Boston and there died. See Appendix;., 
No. 12, 

May 13—1776. 

Anticipating what they supposed and hoped 
would be the final determination of the continental 

177G — Were chosen to set the psalm on Lord's day, Dea. Ebenezer 
Goold, Capt. Joseph Emerson, Reuben Gooki, John Freeland, Capt. 

Jonas Pierce, Thomas Davis, John Robins. William Fletcher, Junr. 

Leave was given to the singers to set by themselres in the second seat 
of the front Gallery. This privilege, obtained with difficulty, was all 
that could be obtained at that time. Fearful of dangerous innovations, 
the people reluctantly yielded to improvements. 

1778 — Mr. Nathaniel Coverlv removed from Boston to Chelmsford,, 



65 

congress, the town passed a resolve, that if it should 
be the pleasure of the Continental Congress to de- 
clare an independent state with respect to Great 
Britain, they would stand by the in and support 
them at the ex pence of life and fortune. To be 
prepared for such an exigence, they agreed at the 
said meeting in May to purchase shovels, spades, 
pick axes and narrow axes, fifes and drums, agreea- 
ble to an act of the General Court. And at another 
meeting in October 1-1, the town expressed their 
full consent, that the present house of representa- 
tives with the council of the State in one body, form 
such constitution of Government for this state as 
they judge most conducive to the safety, peace and 
happiness of this state in all after generations; and 
that such constitution, when formed shall be publish- 
ed for the perusal of the inhabitants of the state, be- 
fore it be ratified. 

The resolutions adopted by the assembly of Mas- 
_^« 7 sachusetts against the proceedings of the Brit- 
ish Parliament, and the proposals for a col- 
onial congress at New-York, were all approved by 
the freemen of this town. They approved of the 
acts of court for preventing monopoly and oppres- 
sion and chose a committee to carry them into op- 
eration. A levy of 5000 blankets for the army was 
ordered, of which the town's proportion was 19. 

and setup his printing press, in the south part of the town. Sundry 
pamphlets and small works were executed at this press, dated Chelms- 
ford, New-England, Sec. J Fanner's J\IS. Letter. 

1776, Jan. 4.— ^ Resolved by the House of Representatives, that 4,000 
of blankets he provided by the Selectmen of the respective towns in ti e 
province, and paid for out of the province treasury. Chelmsford 12- 
BiRerica 18. Papers on file. T. C. OJ/.\ . 

177G.-A soldier returning from the army, callrd at lir Jonas Marshall's ; 
who with his whole family took the small pox from him. Mrs. Marsh J] 
and two of their children died. — Dec. 17, the first child died — 19, Mrs. 
Marshall — 24. an infant child. 

1777 .-Samuel Lufkin and his wife and Solomon Keyes died of the 
pox, April following; the death of Mrs. Marshall and her children. 'I • 
former died at the house now owned by Maj. Joseph Fletcher, th 
terat that possessed and occupied by Mr. Wau Laws, 



Thirty men were raised for the three years sei • 
^ 7 _- vice or during the war. The town agreed 
to give them 20/. bounty per man, over and 
above what the continent and state ollercd. This 
bounty was in 1781, permuted for twenty heads of 
horn cattle, of a middling size, per man. If the war 
lasted but one year, they were to have their cattle 
at one year old ; if it continued two years, at two 
years old and go on in the same proportion. 

The scarcity of specie and the uncertain value of 
paper currency suggested various expedients for 
supplying the place of money, in carrying on the 
war. The bounty and wages- in some instances 
were paid in corn, in others, in cattle. Another ex- 
pedient was to supply the families of soldiers with 
the necessaries of life. To prevent exorbitant de- 
mands and charges for the articles thus furnished 
to the families of soldiers, a Committee was chosen 
to join with committees from the westerly part oi 
the county, in order to regulate and fix the price of 
labor and of necessaries. 

Thus without money or with very little, the town- 
paid the soldiers it furnished for the war; and by 
such methods an arduous and expensive struggle for 
liberty was long maintained and finally brought to a 
successful close. 

A new levy was called for, partly to join Gen 
Washington's army at North River, or Hudson, 
partly to go to Rhode Island. The requisition oi 

1777. — Voted to accept the 80 bushels of salt provided by government 
for paid town. 

1777. — A volunteer company under C'apt. John Ford, was engaged 
Sept. 27. and marched Sept. 30, to reinforce the northern army. This- 
was at the request of the General Court. The object was- to check the 
progress of Gen. Burgoyne, who it was feared would march through the 
country. This company had the satisfaction to witness the surrender 
of Burgoyne^, before it returned. See appendix No. 12. 

177K. — The Legislature ordered a \cvy of shirts, shoes and stockings 
for the aimy, of which this town's proportion was 47 shirts and a* nianr 
pairs of stockings and shoes. 



67 

eleven menfar (.he continental service to the west- 
ward was i'or nine months, and that of three men for 
Rhode Island .3 months. The town gave at this 
time S100 bounty to each soldier. 

1779.-This year the town received a quantity of tire 
arms and steel from Government, which were sold 
at auction to the inhabitants of the town on condition 
' that the lire arms should not be struck off at less 
than 22 dollars a piftte, nor the steel at less than ten 
shillings per pound.' The overplus after paying the, 
first cost and expense of transportation was paid in- 
to the town treasury 

Another requisition of fifteen men for Tycondaro- 
„ ga, was made to be enlisted for 6 months.—- 
These were engaged for a hundred bushels of 
corn per man as a bounty. The militia officers wero 
empowered to hire and theSelectmen to raise money 
and produce by which to pay them. A demand was 
made this year by the government, upon the res t ec- 
live towns in the Province for clothing to supply the 
army. The depreciation of paper money may be 
learned from the following items. A horse bought 
of Ephraim Spalding, Esq. for the army cost 91 »/. a 
blanket 100/. Col. Simeon Spalding's account for 
attendance and necessary expenccs 55 days at Cam- 
bridge in a convention for forming the constitution 
was 990/. And the Rev. Mr. Bridge's salary hum 
September to March, b^months, wa3 set at 3,bul>/. 

In a resolve of the legislature of this province, 
passed June 22, 1780, each town was required to 
iurnish a certain quota of beef, lor the continental 
army. The town voted to raise 30,720 dollars in- 
stead of the beef required. Voted also to raise 
40,000 dollars to pay the 6 months continental sol- 
diers, and three months militia men, together \uih 

177-g_Capt. Samuel Stevens and Oliver Barron. I>i. attended thf 
convention at tjoncord. 



68 

their bounty ; for which the Selectmen and militia 
officers, had given their notes payable m corn, at 50 
dollars per bushel. It was also agreed that every 
dollar of the new emission should be equal to 12/. in 
-aid taxes. The expenditures of the town this year 
for horses and supplies lor the army, amounted to 
61,832/. 

The rapid depreciation of paper money, the little 
, m p. probability of its rising again, together with 
the inexplicable difficulties in which it invok 
ved the people, induced the town to lay it aside and 
make their grants in specie. The expenditure for 
horses provided for the army this year was 3340/. 

Constitution* 

When the new form of Government, or constitu- 
tion, came before the town for their approbation, 
one hundred legal voters were present. After 
hearing it read and deliberating upon each article 
separately, it was adopted with the exception of one 
clause in the 3d art. In the qualification oi governor, 
for his office, the word Christian was exceptionable 
in the minds of some, as leaving a door open for the 
admittance ol a Papist into the chair of state. It 
was proposed to insert the word protestant in lieu of 
christian. It would then stand the Governor shall 
profess himself to be of the protestant religion. — 
This amendment was approved by the town. When 
the final vote was taken 92 were in favor and only 
night against it. These objected only to the clause 
above mentioned. 

In the well meant, but mistaken and unjustifiable 
efforts of a party in the Commonwealth to obtain 
redress of grievances in 17(36, commonly called the 
Shays Insurrection, this town gave decided proofs of 
1 heir love of order and good government, of their 
enlightened zeal and patriotism. Committees were 



eg 

chosen to meet committees from other towns at 
Concord, to devise measures for suppressing the In- 
surgents. A large detachment of the Militia joined 
Gen. Lincoln's army, and were with them on the 
memorable 30th of Jan. when they performed a 
march of 30 miles without refreshment, through 
deep snows, in a stormy and severely cold night — a 
march that would have done honor to the veteran 
soldiers of a Hannibal or a Napoleon. 

Canal — 1792. 

The increasing demand for wood and lumber at 
Newburyport, and the abundant supply, that might 
be obtained in the vicinity of Merrimack river, sug- 
gested the plan of a canal to facilitate the transpor- 
tation of lumber round Pawtuckett falls, which had 
heretofore been laborious and expensive.* As the 
whole business done on this river must pass these 
falls, the project of a canal held out powerful induce- 
ments to monied men, to embark a portion of their 
property in this enterprize. But before the under- 
taking was accomplished the proprietors had the 
mortification of seeing their hope of gain in some 
degree cut off by the bold and adventurous project 
and auspicious beginning of Middlesex Canal. It 
was easy to foresee that this would divert much of 
the lumber trade from its wonted course down the 
river to Newburyport. This however did not so 
dishearten them as to discontinue, or greatly retard 
-|~q 9 the work. The proprietors were incorpora- 
ted Aug. 8, 1792,by the name of the Proprie- 
tors of the Locks and Canals on Merrimack River. 

* The water in Concord river is 32 feet lower than the water at Uie 
head of the fails in Merrimack river. 

1780. — 17 families in the south part of the town, were annexed to the 
district of Carlisle, which was incorporated 1805. 

1789— Dr. Hernngton, Benja. GooJd Benja. Osgood, and Neheanah 
Parker, were chosen choristers. 



70 

It was opened in 1/97.* Its length is about 1 l-ti 
miles, and it has four sets of locks. It was built at 
an expenditure of 50 thousand dollars. The stock 
is divided into 500 shares. The avails of this canal 
have afforded a yearly dividend, varying from two 
to ten per cent. Its direction is nearly east. It enters 
the Concord river near to its junction with the Mer- 
rimack. It considerably shortens the distance from 
the place where it leaves Merrimack river to its en- 
trance into it again, and safely conveys rafts round 
these dangerous falls. 

Middles t x Canal — 1788. 

The late Governor Sullivan and Loami Baldwin, 
Esq. of Woburn, frequently interchanging their 
thoughts upon the practicability and public advan- 
tage of a canal from the most southerly angle of 
Merrimack river to Boston harbor, originated the 
project of Middlesex canal. It was first contempla- 
ted to carry the canal as far westward as the town 
of Bedford ; but on examination this was found im- 
practicable. Mr. Weston an ingenious and experi- 
enced engineer from England, being in Philadelphia, 
was employed to examine and survey the ground, 

* The occasion bad called together a great concourse from the vicing 
ty. When a novel, rnd very distressing spectacle was exhibited. — 
Some hundreds of men, women and children were collected, and stood 
around and upon the Locks to witness the passing of a boat, in which 
were the Directors and othti Gentlemen, invited by them to take a trip 
through the Locks. Scarcely hud they entered the first Lock, when the 
sides suddenly gave way. The water bursting upon the spectators with 
great violence, carried many down the stream. Infants were separated 
from their mothers, children from their parents, wives from their bus? 
bands, young ladies from their gallants, and men, women, timber, and 
broken boards and planks were seen promiscuously floating in the water 
(" Nantes — rari apparent in gurgile vasto."^) Some h^d their clothes 
partially ,otheis almost intirely torn off from them. Mothers were shrieking 
for their lost children, husbands swimming in search of their wives and 
daughters ; paleness sat on the countenance and anxiety filled ths hearts 
of those on shore for the safety of their friends in the water. All at 
l,ength came safely to land without any material injury. Thus ended th'- 
aznusement of that memorable day. 



71 

arid report upon the most favorable route for niak 
ing the intended canal. The result of his examinav 
tion was highly gratifying to the proprietors. The 
estimate of the expenditure was one hundred thou^ 
sand dollars. 

Encouraged by his report, the projectors and oth- 
1 ^q ers associated with them, were incorporated 
' J ° 1793. < The grant of Middlesex Canal is a 
perpetuity. ' 

One of the projectors — Loami Baldwin, Esq. of 
Woburn, was the constant superintendent and sole 
Engineer through the whole of this arduous work. — 
No man in these parts wrs equally qualified for this 
difficult undertaking. His philosophical and math- 
ematical genius, long accustomed to apply principles 
to practice, readily devised and put in operation 
means for overcoming difficulties and removing ob- 
atructions, and lor promoting the grand design ; while 
his indefatigable industry and unyielding persever- 
ance, infused the same spirit into all around him, and 
caused the work, which to a mind \ci^: penetrating 
and inventive would have seemed impossible, con- 
stantly to progress. 

'The proprietors deserve the highest praise for* 
their enterprize. The choice of a superintendant 
demands commendation. Unwilling to acknowledge 
dependence upon any nation, or any state, they re- 
posed confidence in a citizen of their own. His 
works declare his praise. Obstructions, which oth- 
ers of a less inventive genius might have considered 
insurmountable, or extremely difficult, he converted 
into some useful purpose. In every part are the 

traces of a sound judgment and fertile genius. 

Massachusetts, a state already proud of science, 
will in some future age. feel an increase of pride in 
acknowledging her son.'* 

^re Columbian Centmel of Saturday Jtilv 10. 1802-*where the fob 



72 

ft is a just tribute to his memory to say that he 
was the animating soul of this stupendous work. 

Middlesex canal, begins about a mile above Paw-* 
tuckett falls at the most southerly angle or bend of 
Merrimack river. Its direction is south by east. — 
It is supplied with water by Concord river in Bilieri- 
ca, where the surface of the water is elevated 107 
feet above the tide in Boston harbor, and 8#feet a- 
bove the surface of Merrimack river. * 

"From the year 1793 the canal was prosecuted 
with vigor and finally completed at an expenditure 
of $520,000 in assessments, and 85,000 dollars de- 
rived from the income ; comprehending an expence 
of about 30 thousand dollars by the corporation on 
the Merrimack canals and locks. It is 27 miles long 
and 30 feet wide and 3 deep. There are 7 aque- 
ducts over rivers and streams and 20 Locks. Four 
of tlie levels are each preserved for above 5 miles ; 
the other four from one to three miles. It termi- 
nates in Charlestown Mill pond, an extensive, arti- 
ficial basin, which while it serves the original pur- 
pose, accommodates rafts and boats. The Corpora- 
lowing lines, with a few alterations from the celebrated Dr. Darwin, were 
added as applicable to the ingenius superintendent. The whole was 
prepared on the occasion of first admitting water into the canal as far as 
■Voburn meeting house. 

u On Baldwin's infant cradle science smiled, 
And nursed with fairy hand the unlettered child, 
Spread round his pillow all her secret spells, 
Pierced all her springs and opened all her wells ; 
As now on grass with glossy folds revealed, 
Glides tile bright Serpent now in flowers concealed, 
Far shine the scales, that gild his sinuous back, 
And lucid undulations mark his track; 
So with strong arm immortal Baldwin leads 
His long canals and parts the velvet meads ; 
Winding in lucid lines the watery mass, 
Mines the firm rock, or loads the deep morass, 
With rising locks a thousand hills alarms, 
Fling:, o'er a thousand streams its silver arms, 
Feeds the long vale, the nodding woodland laves, 
And plenty, arts and commerce fright the waves," W, 

Jioston.JulyS, 1802. 



(ton own the Mills at CharJestown and BHIerica and 
<>ther valuable real estate- It has also the privilege 
oi converting Concord river into a Canal 23 miles of 
>ts extent, through the towns of Bilferica, Bedford 
Carlisle, Concord and Sudburv.' ; ' 

Opened— 1804. 

"Itf-was opened in 1804, and a system was estab- 
»shed m 1808, for collecting toll in cash before the 
delivery of the articles on which it accrue,." 

k Iho receipts m 1810, amounted to 15,000 dol- 
feh J8 J 5 ' 2 ^ 26 -~ B ftimated income of 1816, 
30,0^0— j? orty thousand would yield a dividend of 
b per cent op the cost, and pay the expense of man- 
agement and ordinary repairs." 

.« The t Property is divided into 800 shares. The 
toll established by law is 1-16 of a dollar per ton for 
every mile carried on the Canal." 

That part of the Canal, which is in Chelmsford is 
^feet above the water, of Memmack river, from 
which you ascend by means of three locks formed of 
split stone laid in mortar. « The lock next to the 
river is called the first lock. This is ninety feet 
ong and twelve wide. The earth is removed be- 
low the bed of the river to prevent the underminm* 
of the works, and then filled up with stones, on 
these a floor of oak timber, two feet square is laid ; 
upon this another floor of similar timber is laid cross 
wise, and then a floor of three inch plank, all u 
spiked and trunncHed. On this base the walls are 
raised 8 ieet high and 7 feet thick. The walls arc 
Constructed of hewn stone, taken from a ledge in the 
neighborhood, which is the property ofthe*cor P «ra" 

to the stroke of the hammer. The second and 
rd locks are of the same length, and const™ 
' ■'•"'' 'materials, The height of the 



4* 



,ji$ 16, that ofthe third 11 feet. The culverts and 
gates are so well contrived* that a boat or raft may 
the three locks, in 8 minutes. The workman- 
ship of these lock, for neatness and strength is equal- 
led by none in the United States 

The naturalist will be gratified to learn that on 
ctigging over the earth on the bank of Merrimack 
river, tolay the foundation of the locks, pine cones 
and charcoal were found at th* depth of twelve lect 
from the surface, in a sound and unimpaired slate; 
ipecimens of which are deposited in the museum at 
Cambridge. A small horn was also found at nearlj 
the same depth from the surface, supposed to be 
that of a cow of two or three years old. 

« While the public utility of the Middlesex Canal and its peculiar ad- 
vantage! to the towns through whichit passessare readily acknowledged* 
U ia neatly to be feared that the morals of the people ... those towns will 
be corrupted by the transaction ofbusiness up... the canal on the Sab- 
bath, rhafooateare loaded anti navigated <>n tl.r Lords day, would 
M em to ' old-fashioned New-Englandmen astrange and alarming depart- 
ure from primative purity and real Christianity. 

The learned and able statesman and financ.er, Mom. Neckar. justlv 

animadverte I upon the practice of working on the Sabbath at abridge, 

built overthe Seine. His remarks arc respectfully suggested to the pro- 

prietors of Middlesex Canal, to the people residing upon it, and to all 

bose who watch over the interests of church and state 

« F or B 6 horl tim< laborers have been permitted to work at Pans o a 
Sunday We see this publickly done at the new bridge, which is build- 
over the Seine; as if a work of mere convenience was m euch haste, 
at the laws should be dispensed with, to accelerate ita execution. It 
. the dutj of govt rnment to consider in a more comprehensive view the 
ateresl ofthat part ofsociety, which is o blind in its calculation, 
frnd the church Bhould examine also, if the sudden alteration of a 
may not give ri e to an idea, (hat the spirit ofreligion 
has grown feeble For the nations, where this spirit is best preservei . 
i i; ,..,. ,|„. greatesl respect for the sabbath.* 1 Neckar on Jtelig. Opin.p.124. 
Note See also a pampHlet, printed 1816, by Cummings and Hiiliard^ 
Boston, entitled Remarks on the Lord's day, as a moral, positive ana 
•i\.l duty.— -By Dr. R. Wjman. 
1790.— Wall rebuilt round the old burying place. 

, — John Lord and other? petitioned to be set off to Dracv' 



n 



G Mi 

the < • ' ol M '• a! ilir ; di . 

Men 
et long and ^2 wide, irith iie< i i 
sari appendages for the manufacturing oi window 
erected . 1802. 

' ' n<:<i bou . ' ..< .:. hed, 

. tied for th< /i the i 

it distance . imaJler 

| be workmen and 

tkei 

j ire app manufactory about 

I 
children, om • J in alL It is no 

A i ibi ee hundred 

annual e, oi 

tout ee hundred boxes ol one hundred 

t $13 pel bo ' . 

i dollai . I he 
. • n able (oi the \ 
Bostc ' 

• . i . le < . - ' . b 

. let 

. ■ 
con I in the m 

i it. 
J ... - 

. 6 oren 
... and pot room*, a kiln i<,. r 
... ... 

Cbeln P 'i 



.76 

were oi wood, which lasted about fourteen years. — 
A new bridge became necessary and the summer of 
J 805 being very dry, was remarkably favorable for 
^onr the undertaking. A new bridge was accord- 
ingly built on a different construction from 
the former and with more durable materials. The 
abutments on each side and the three piers in the 
river are made ot split stones. And where they 
are most exposed to the violence of the ice at the 
breaking up of the river in the spring, the stones are 
fastened together by bolts of iron. 

The bridge is laid about twenty feet above the 
water, at its common height. The great arch over 
the channel is one hundred and ten feet. The 
length between the abutments five hundred feet, or 
about 30 rods.* It cost 14,500 dollars, which is 
divided into 60 shares, and nets the proprietors o per 
cent, annually. 

' Billerica Great Bridge.' 

4 The first bridge over Concord river, on the Bos- 
ton road, was erected at or near the ford way, pre- 
vious to 1658. In 1662, it was removed from this 
place' higher up the river ; and in 1699 was again 
removed to the place where it now stands. t 

It was erected and supported at the joint expence 
of Chelmsford, Groton, Dunstable, Dracut, Westlord 
and Billerica.^ Groton obtained an act of exemp- 
tion 1699. But on the petition of the other towns 
that that act might be repealed, the general court 
referred the whole matter to the court of sessions, 
from which Groton obtained an act in their favor 
I7i6.§ Dracut, Dunstable and Westford, were hol- 

* 'I he average width of Merrimack river in the town of Chelmsford is 
400 yards. 

t Farmer's Historical Memoir of Billerica. 

\ Papers in the 1 own-Clerk's office. 

i> Records of c ourt in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth 



77 



den till 1737, and Chelmsford, till 1792 Tl r 

The first bridge at the mouth of Concord river 

3774 , vvas ab ° ut tnent y rods below the present—, 

It was Mown down by a gale of wind before 

>t was entuelv finished. The' second bridge was ust 

below the one now standing. The tlnrd and as 

Death of Mr. Bridge, Oct. 4, 1702. 

Again are we arrived at that period in our history 
vlnch reminds us of the perishing nature of men 
and things. The altar and he that ministered £ S 
grew old together, and were ready to be dissolved J- 
Ihe second meeting house had stood 80 years, when 
it was taken down that a more beautiful and elegant 
edifice might be ereeted in its place. So the clayey 
tab ernac le of Him, who had officiated in it more than 
Wty one years was dissolved Oct. 4. 1792, that* he 
might have a building of God, a house not made with 
Hands eternal m the heavens. 

1790— Fulling mill erected by M. Hale 
pence?- VUllbUi,tr,,UUd the WCSt B ^ in S S™und at the town's ex- 

JnouZtz ;:; P tt 0,d BeI1 » d h »y * °f* one » f ™ ***** 



78 



SECTION V. 



Mr. Packard. 



THE purposes of man are often interrupted and 
broken off; but the counsels of God stand fast for- 
ever. His plans regularly progress towards their 
accomplishment. Death which frustrates human 
purposes, retards not those of the Almighty. He 
employs a multitude of agents in effecting his designs, 
and when one fails, he sets another in his place.— 
The third house of worship began in 1792, was near- 
ly finished ; but there was none to minister at its al- 
tar. Divine providence prepared them a man af- 
ter his own heart, and sent him unto them in the 
fulness of the blessings of the gospel of peace. 

May 13—1793. 

The town concurred with the church in giving 
Mr. Hezekiah Packard a call to settle in the minis- 
try in Chelmsford. It was also voted to give him 
for his support 100/. per year, during his ministry in 
Chelmsford, and 200/. as a settlement. 

» October 3. 

The Committee reported to the town that the 
house* was finished according to agreement. The 
town accepted their report. And on the 16th day 
of October 1 793, the Rev. Mr. Packard was ordain- 
ed to the pastoral care of the church and society in 
Chelmsford. 

•This house, raised in 1793, is 64 by 48 feet. 



t9 



Social Library — 1794. 

In the year following he formed the design of es 
tablishing a so iaJ Library. Having communicated 
his intention and obtained a sufficient number of sub^ 
scribers, on the 6th of January 1794, a meeting was 
called and the society organized. 

A voluntary annual assessment on the shares, to- 
gether with a constant accession of new members, 
enable the executive Committee to make yearly ad- 
ditions to the Library and provide for necessary re- 
join pairs. In January 1812, the Society was in- 
corporated by the name and style of the 
" Proprietors of the Social Library in the town of 
Chelmsford." 1 he Library consists of 350 volumes, 
and is a collection of well chosen, useful books. A* 
mong which is Doctor Rees' Cyclopaedia, the most 
valuable and expensive work, ever printed in this 
country. The number of members is about eighty. 
The price of a new share three dollars and fifty cts- 
The Library may be estimated at about a thousand 
dollars. 

The writer laments the necessity he is under, as 
an historian, to re cord an event,which sullies the well 
earned reputation of the town for justice and kindness 
to their ministers. 

For one hundred and forty years no record is to 
be found of the town's refusing to make up depre- 
ciations in the stated salary or to grant the requests 

1794 — May. John Miuot gave ten dollars to the town, for the purchase 
of a new pall. 

1794— A plan of the town was taken b} order of Court..-95,a committee 
of 12 chosen to inspect schools. 

1799 — Voted to lay out a road from the meeting house to golden cove. 
It was accordingly laid out but not made. 

1300 — " The town voted that the petitioners from the north east part 
of Chelmsford be set off to unite with a part of Dracut ; and that the Jit .- 
tie canal, so called, should be the line between Chelmsford aidtli', •■ 
h mplated parish " 

1801—The Hearse built. 



80 

, of their Pastors for needed a sistance.* This veal 
the Rev. Mr, Packard requested the town to mal 
up the depreciations m his salary; but the town 
dismissed the article without acting upon it. At 
Dec. a subsequent meeting- they agreed to add 
20/. to his salary for six years. This vote 
Mar wa ® redon sidered at the next meeting, and 
the addition grafted was not assessed until 
after it was found to be recoverable by a Wal pro- 
cess. b l 

Mr. Packard's pecuniary embarrassments conspir- 
ing with the general aspect of the times and pecu- 
liar circumstances of the place seemed to intimate to 
mm the imperious duty of dissolving his ministerial 
relation with this people and church and seeking an 
establishment m some part of the Vincvard of the 
Lord, which promised a more ample reward for his 
labors, and held out a brighter prospect of useful- 
ness. 

The best illustration of his views and feeling and 
the most honorable testimony, we can give of his 
correct sentiments and feelings on this momentous 
subject* will be found in the proposals he made to 
the town for a submission. 

Juh/~5, 180?. 

; You cannot be unacquainted with my embarrass- 
merits, nor with my wishes and endeavours to ex- 
tricate myself from them and secure a comfortable 
living among you. You all must be sensible that the 
means of building, buying, or securing any permanent 
place o{ residence are without my reach. 

" When I take into view my own situation and that 
of the (own 1 am led to hope that my removal on 
the whole will not disserve the cause of relio-ion 
in this place, and I am persuaded will be to my 

*See Memorial in !8ir. 



Hi 

... advantage. % good wishes will attend yoii 
and jour children; and J hope that every step 'we 
take will be such as will bear reflection ! 

As my ministry has been short in this place ir 
may he expected by many that I refund a part or 
the whole of my settlement. This subject I acknowl- 
edge deserves enquiry and adjustment. And I now 
declare myself witling to pa } to the town whatever 
part of that sum may appear due after the follow- 
ing reasonable deductions. 

I- The usual period of ministerial life is found by 
calculation to be 28 years. The part of that period 
I have spent with you claims its proportion of my 
settlement. 

N. To retain the spirit of the civil contract be- 
tween a minister and his people the value of his 
salary must be preserved. The town therefore 
will not shrink from an impartial enquiry into the 
depreciations of my salary, nor dedme an allow- 
ance equal to their just amount. 

UL Having put the ministerial lot into a better 
condition, it is reasonable that the money laid out 
upon it over and above the receipts should be re- 
funded." 

On the foregoing principles an adjustment was 
made between the town and Mr. Packard, and the 
cavil contract dissolved July 5, 1802* 
July 1 1 ' ^' le c ^ urcn chose a committee and in- 
vested them> with powers to dismiss and 
recommend their Pastor."— A council being called, 
sanctioned the foregoing transactions, ancf together 
with the aforesaid Committee recommended the 
Rev. Mr. Packard to the work of the Ministry 
wherever Divine providence might cali him. 

A door of more extensive usefulness was provi- 
dentially opened to him at Wiscassel in the District 
of Maine, where he was installed Sept. 8, 18, 2. 

/•;-m A R r ;m Pa r5 ar ] , 7 r ?' lir<C ' ry St ' m ° n ' *** preached Au * ] > 3GO ' 2 - 



82 



SECTION Vi. 



AT no period perhaps since the first settlement of 
the town were the minds of the people so disaffec- 
ted towards one another as after the dismission of 
Rev. Mr. Packard; neither were they ever placed 
in circumstances so unfavorable to the re-establish- 
ment of the gospel ministry. Grieved and sadly 
disappointed by his removal, many could hardly 
brook the thought of a successor. Some were in- 
different to religion, and indisposed to encourage the 
maintenance of its institutions. The north eastern 
section of the town were desirous of uniting with a 
part of Dracut to form a new Society ; and had been 
making great exertions for several years to accom- 
plish their object. Under these circumstances the 
prospect of a speedy resettlement of the christian 
ministry was doubtful and gloomy. 

But time, which often changes men's feelings as it 
does their circumstances, had in the course of a year 
altered in some degree their dispositions towards 
one another; and the force of habit, uniting with a 
sense of duty and love of order, produced a general 
wish to re-establish the stated ministrations of the 
word and ordinances of God. Accordingly the 
church and town with a harmony hardly to have 
been expected, invited the compiler to take the pas- 
toral care of them. They oife red him for his sup- 
port a salary of 500 dollars per year, and a settle- 
ment of 333 dollars, lie accepted their invitatioe 
and proposals, and was ordained Nov. 1(3, 1803. 



83 



Carding Jiftu ' 

Those discoveries and improvements in the me* 
ehanic arts which facilitate the attainment of the 
necessaries and conveniences of life, deserve the 
care and patronage of the friends and benefactors of 
mankind. Mr. Moses Hale in 1801, first set up a 
carding machine in his mill on river meadow brook. 
During the year 1802, he carded eight thousand 
pounds, and between ten and eleven thousand the 
succeeding year. 

Lodge— 1808. 

Sometime in the vear 1808, sundry brethren from 
the towns of Chelmsford, Dracut and Tewksbury. 
petitioned the grand Lodge of Massachusetts for 
leave to erect a new Lodcre in Chelmsford at Paw- 
tuckett falls. The grand Lodge, having taken this 
request into their most serious consideration, grant- 
ed a charter, authorising certain persons from the a- 
foresaid towns to constitute and organize a Lodge 
under the superintendance of Capt. Isaac Coburn. 
Master, and by the name of Pawtuckett Lodge in 
Chelmsford. Oct. 12, 1809, the Lodge was conse- 
crated in Due Form. In 1815, it was removed to 
the centre of the town, where its meetings are now 
regularly holden.* 

*T he grand Lodge was conducted by iLe most worshipful Timothy 
"Whitin g, Lsq. of Lancaster, as grand Master. It was opened in the morn- 
ing with prayer by the Rev. t. Riplej, grand Chaplain of Concord. — 
The public solemnities were introduced bv an address to the throne of 
grace, from Rev. Thomas Beede of Wilton. A discourse was delivered 
by the Compiler, from Philip 4-8, and published at the request of the 
fraternity. 

1812 The desk was newly trimmed. The front and sices were cov- 
ered with red damask silk, the floor with a carpet, the seat v. rftfc a cush- 
ion, and the window ornamented with curtains. \ suit of clothes was al- 
so given to the paster. All at the expence cf the Lcdies, amouLtirir to 
about $B0. 

L 2 



84 

puring the late restrictions upon commerce and 
, ... the unhappy war with Great Britain, the at- 
tention of monied men was considerably di- 
rected to domestic manufactures. There being a 
very Commodious seat for a manufactory on Concord 
river, about three hundred rods from its entrance in- 
to Merrimack river, Capt. Piiineas Whiting and 
Col. Josiah Fletcher, erected in i813, a large build- 
ing of 60 feet long, 50 i'eet wide and 4j0 feet high, for 
t\ cotton manufactory. It cost about twenty five 
hundred dollars. 

In 18 18, they sold the building to Mr. Thomas 
Kurd, an enterprising gentleman from Charlestown, 
who repaired and fitted it for a woolen manufactory. 
Sixteen looms, worked by water, are employed in 
making satinet ; of which about 120 yards per day are 
manufactured. This estimate includes the colour- 
ing, carding and spinning of the wool, weaving and 
dressirig the cloth. It employs of both sexes, about 
twenty persons. 

Machinery — 16 Looms, worked by water — -1 
Winder of 50 bobbins — 1 doo for warping 8 spindles 
— Warping apparatus — 1 Columbian spinner of two 
hundred spindles— 3 large coppers for dying — one 
for blue, of 400 gallons— 't wo smaller for other col- 
burs — 3 double carding machines, &c. &c. 

in 1814, a plan was devised and adopted by the 
m« a town, for building a number of tombs, on the 
south west side of the old burying ground. — 
Several of which were built in 1814, others in 1815 
and 1816. They were constructed of split stones 
of the poorest sort of granite except the head, or 
tomb-stone, which is ol Chelmsford best granite.-- r 
The expense of them was from sixty to a hundred 
dollars a piece, according to the care and labor be- 
stowed in the workmanship. This range of tombs, 
is a great ornament to the place and a convenience 
^o the possessors. 



85 

The same year, a new burying ground was pur- 
i 'I used by the town. It i^ located 1Q the north east 
part of the town near Pawtuckctt falls. 

The remarkable and destructive gale, expcrienc- 
- .- ed through New-England, Sept. 1 8, upset, 
and moved out of their place mo.4 of the 
small buildings, and several barns in this town.*-— 
Col. Joseph Bowers, his nephew oi 16 and son of 8 
years old, were wonderfully preserved. They 
were a: work in the bain, and Happened to he in 
the linter at the moment when it fell. They were 
buried under its ruins. Col. Powers and his son 
were uninjured. His nephew Mile F. Byain had 
his head so hardly pressed between two timbers as 
to start his eye-balls from their sockets; he was 
timely relieved, and in a few weeks recovered his 
health. 

A considerable proportion of the fruit and forest 
trees was broken down, eradicated, or prostrated to 
the ground. 

The wood blown down and destroyed in Chelms- 
ford, is estimated at 50,000 cords. 

A very large elm of 60 years growth, before the 
house of Maj. Nat hi. Howard, was blown down, 
which contained on measurement 8 1-2 cords of 
wood. It was 4 1-2 feet diameter at the ground 
and 14 feet in circumference. 

A storm similar to that in Hil5, was experienced 
in New-England, Aug. 15, l635. "Many houses 
were blown 4own,many more uncovered. The Indian 
corn was beat down to the ground so as not to rise 
again. The tide a: Narraganset rose 20 feet per- 
pendicularly. The Indians were obliged to betake 
themselves to the trees, and yet many of them were 
drowned by the return of the tide before the usual 

•The bams of Mr. Samuel Marshal), sen .Col. Bowers and Mrs. Hay- 
wood, toge ther with a barn of Mr. Joei Mansfield, weic blown down. 



86 

Iiour."* " Immense numbers of the forest trees 
were destroyed."! None now living in these narts v 
neither English nor Indian, had seen the like. The 
.extremity of it continued five or six hours.J 

Several new mills were built, a saw-mill on deep 
„ brook, by Messrs. Chamberlains. A saw 
and grist mill, at Pawtuckett falls, by Mr. 
Luke Bowers and sons ; a grist mill on the Locks 
and canals on Merrimack river, by Mr. N. Tyler; 
and a saw mill on Beaver Brook, by Mr. Moser- 
Hale. 

* Hubbard + Hutchins t Morton, 






87 



1817. 



This year the following memorial was presented to the town — 
zchichas it contains a detail of its transactions, relative to the 
support of the gospel from its first settlement to the present time, 
is deemed worthy of being transmitted toposterity. 

A MEMORIAL, 

Addressed to tile Inhabitants of the town of Chelmsford. 
\S hen I accepted your invitation to settle in the 
gospel ministry among you, I considered the terms 
which you proposed liberal, and adequate to a com- 
fortable support. Having had no experience of the 
expehce of maintaining a family, and totally unac- 
quainted with the peculiar circumstances of the town, 
that have raised the price of real estate and of sundry 
articles of living to a height before unknown, I had 
o-reat confidence that should my stipulated support 
prove on trial insufficient for the demands of the sta- 
tion I was to fill, 1 should find a ready resource in 
that justice and kindness, which for almost a century 
and a half after the first settlement of the town dis- 
tinguished its inhabitants in relation to their minis- 



ters 



Relying on your christian feelings and principles 
together with the example of your ancestors in their 
conduct towards those, who ministered unto them in 
holy things, that my usefulness would not be im- 
pressed by pecuniary want, or my ministry brought 
to an untimely end by those disheartening circum- 
stances, which it is always in the power of Christian 
communities to prevent or remedy, 1 felt willing to 
make every possible sacrifice of a personal nature to 
promote your temporal and spiritual interests, and 
secure at length a peaceful assylum for my bones by 
the side of the mortal remains of those who had 
ejone before, in the christian ministry in this place^ 



38 



Entering into your service with these hopes, ancf 
destitute of that experience, which is the best guide 
to a just estimate of the necessary expenditures of 
maintaining a public station, which has numerous 
and constant demands on the pecuniary resources of 
those who exercise the gospel ministry; I soon 
found an insurmountable obstacle to my usefulness 
and comfort, and an impenetrable cloud spread 
over my future prospect by the utter want of 
competent means either to purchase, or build a 
house. Confident that you would see the difficulty 
of my obtaining one, and the reasonableness of af- 
fording some aid either by building on the ministerial 
land or m some other way, which your wisdom mio-ht 
suggest, I made application in 1804 for some assTst- 
ance in building or purchasing a house. But the 
article, when it came before the town, was dismis- 
sed without discussion or commitment. 

Thus disappointed in my most sanguine expecta- 
tion of a favorable hearing from the town, I had nc 
other alternative but to take a dismission within a 
few months after I was ordained, or make °reat ef- 
forts and sacrifices without much hope of success in 
attempting to procure a shelter from the storm, and 
a hiding place irom the tempest. As a request for 
a dismission, would wear the appearance of trifling 
with a most solemn engagement, I felt it my duty 
to make trial of all the means in my power to ob- 
tain a permanent habitation. For many years I have 
endured great hardships, suffering and fatigue by 
laboring m the field and instructing youth in addi- 
tion to the preparatory labors of the pulpit and die 
numerous calls of parochial duty. By these la- 
borious employments and unwearied exertions of 
body and mind, t had hoped to extricate myself 
irom embarrasment and debt, so as to pass the even- 
ing of my days in greater devotedness to the oreat 
objects of the gospel ministry ; when unexpec/d 






89 

hanges in the political state of the country caused a 

rapid depreciation of money, and deprived me of the 

!Ope, cither of paying my debts, or supporting my 

family, or of pursuing my ministerial labors with any 

satisfaction to myself or profit to you. 

Since my settlement the price of labor and of all 
the necessaries of life has been greatly augmented. 
It is a fact well known to you, that for several years 
past I have paid for the articles purchased of you, 
for some double, for some more than double, for 
some nearly double, and for others one third more 
than I gave when I first settled. ' It is a fact, well 
known also, that scarcely any article can be purchas- 
ed in this town any thing short of the market price ; 
and seldom for the market price. 

Within the last ten year3 almost every 
man, supported by a salary in the civil department, 
lias had it very considerably increased. It is stated 
in a late report of a committee of Congress, that the 
salaries of the heads of department, and even of the 
lowest clerks in the United States government have 
been repeatedly augmented within a few years. The 
price of wood, with which most of my predecessors 
were supplied 30 cords annually by the town, has 
been continually rising and will m this place continue 
io increase, by reason of the facilities to market, af- 
forded by the canahandfhe immense consumption of 
•wood at the glass manufactory, it is an acknowl- 
edged principle of justice and equity, that an annual 
stipend or salary ought to preserve its original value* 
and if it exceeds it by change of times, it ought to be 
reduced. 

To depreciation of money I am forced toadd oth- 
er discouragements. During the late war, finding 
the pressure from incompetency of support so great 
as to leave me no means of obtaining wood for m>- 
Jamily and study, I presented a request to the town 
for assistance in this article ; but my request was re- 
jected. ' r 



9o 

In 1814 a, ttee was chosen by the town at 

tlie request of sundry individuals, "to confer with 
rae on the depreciation of my salary and the im- 
provements made on the ministerial lands ;" and the 
result of this conference was the following report. 
The committee kc. beg leave to report, that they 
have attended that service, heard the statement o! 
Mr. AtLEN, and examined the improvements on said 
land. And although the committee are sensible 
that his salary has in some measure depreciated ; 
vet they forbear at this time to recommend to the 
town to increase it. But the committee on view 
the very great and permanent improvements, made 
by Mr. Allen on the ministerial lands are forcibly 
imprest with the opinion that there is justly due to 
him as a consideration for his labor and expence, in- 
curred in making said improvements not less than 
500 dollars. The commitec accordingly recommend 
that the sum of 500 dls. be paid him in full conside- 
ration for said improvements. All which is respect- 
fully submitted. 

May 5, 1814, Wm. ADAMS, Chairman of said Committee* 
The above report, agreed to almost unanimously 
by the committee, consisting ol sixteen persons, re- 
siding in different parts of the town, was not accepted 
by the' town. 

Having referred in the beginning of this memori- 
al to the justice and equity of the town in their con- 
duct towards their former ministers, 1 will here state 
the facts to which reference was made. 

v. 22, Iu5-J--The town " voted to give Mr. 
Fiske 30 acres of arable land, and 30 acres of mead- 
ow — to build him a house thirty ieet long and 
twenty iect wide with three fire-places, and 
chimnies built of brick or stone : to pay him 50/.stg. 
for the first year, and his maintenance in future as 
the Lord should enable them " This pledge of fu- 
tuture assistance they carefully redeemed. For in 
165b' the town 'granted and gave to Rev. Mr. Fiske 



at his request, the land lj*ing before his house. No*> ■ 
1 Ib59 the town voted to give Mr. Fiske al 

his request G acres of land, at the great Brook near 
his meadow ; 22 1-2 acres bounded by his meadow 
on the same brook, and 6 acres on Merrimack jplain 
in IbGO they granted and gave inm at Ins request 81 
acres at great Tadmuck, and 8 acres adjoining to 
it at the same place." 

The second Pastor, Mr.Clarkc wa.s ordained 1677. 
The contract between him and the town was as fol- 
lows: — 

I. The inhabitants of Chelmsford do agree to 
pay Mr. Thomas Clarke the just sum of 80/. stg. 
in manner following, viz. 20/. in current money, and 
sixty pounds in provision ; viz. 40/. in corn o( all 
sorts as God gives. The other twenty in pork, beet, 
and other flesh, but not exceeding 2 I -2c/, per lb 
Moreover iris agreed that the town shall supply 
Mr. Clarke with" wood for his family yearly, which 
is by agreement 30 cor-ds yearly. 2dly. It is a- 
i '■ d that the town shall pay 60/. in money towards 
the purchase of Corsar's lands in Chelmsford, and. 
that they build a house on said land, which 
house shall be 40 feet long, 20 wide, and 15 in stud, 
and a kitchen adjoining it 1G feet square and 10 feet 
stud ; provided Mr. Clarke snail pay one fourth ot 
what this building shall cost. 3dly. It is a- 
greed that the said town make addition to the salary 
above stated, if he stand in need, and the town be 
able thereto. 4thly. It is agreed, that his yearly 
salary shall be paid within the year. 5thly. 11 the 
said Mr. Clarke grow discontented and leave the 
work of the ministry in Chelmsford, then the said 
house and land shall return to the town, they pay- 
ing him what he hath expended towards the pur- 
chase, building, and bettering the accommodation. 
Mr. Clarke living at a time, when there was little 
Dr no depreciation of money, asked but one favor oi 



M 



t»2 



the town during his minisflry, tvliicli n---- thui ,1 

town would give him lOiri., ' " 

Brook, and Us.Z^Z^f ^^ «*" 

Mr. Stoddard, the third Pastor, was ordained 

• -i» !' wa f a greed to and voted by the town to 

We Mr. Stoddard 70/. as a salary and 100/ a a set' 

h „ > s M SSe °f '" S "° 0d - VVood be ''ng at this 
!'me 2 shillings and two pence pr. cord. Thena 
per currency .ssued in 1690 begaVi about th is time 
&S In , ,7i 5 'he town voted to raise 
Mr. Stoddard s salary from 70/. to 90/.; in 1718 
money contmu.ng to depreciate they raised it to 100/. 

• nee moT^" 110 " 8 T r0 T de for his ass ^'- 
, r, . , t0wn voted (o add 5 <W- in bills of 

eredit to his salary to enable him to carry on the 
work of the ministry. The same sum, wL Zted 
n the two following years. I„ 1733' two contri- 
but.ons were made. In 1735 the town added 37 
own\l7/ , In,738, f. health failed; and the 
town voted to .hire preaching and pay for it from 
the treasury during Mr. Stoddard's' illness." 

I he fourth Pastor Mr. Bridge was ordained 1 741 
ri e town voted to g,ve him for his annual support 
180 .and as a settlement 500/. in province bills At 
a subsequent meeting the town added 201. to his sal- 
ary to be paid in province bills. J„ the year 1747 
rotedto proy.de 30 cords of wood annually for Mr 
Budge dunng his miWtry. At this time {he m £ 
isterml land was well-wooded, which in !762 ™"s 
given away for cutting the wood and twice mo JK 
the under brush. In 1748 Mr. Bridge presented ? 

commit', 1 tbet °™>™ wtfeh the Town chose a 
committee to confer with h,m, and compute the dif! 
[erence in the necessaries of life from the time of 
ns settlement to the present time, and rep„«?here 
on. J he committee reported at the next town. 
meeting' that Mr. Bridge should have 20of besfe 



93 

his stated salary by reason of the fall of money, ft 
was also agreed to by the town that his salary should 
be made as good, as when he first settled." The 
next year 1749 it was voted to fix Mr. Bridge's sala- 
ry in future on the price of corn, rye, beef and pork. 
1750, it was voted to give him 90/. in lawful mon- 
ey to be paid in silver and gold. But in 1752 it was 
voted to nullity all former contracts, and establish 
his salary for life at 80/. in lawful money and 30 
cords of wood,providedMr,Bridge consented thereto. 
To this vote Mr. Bridge consented. In 1784 Mr. 
Bridge again laid a memorial before the town, stat- 
ing the depreciations, which had taken place in mon- 
ey, and requesting the town " to act righteously and 
justly with him by making up the depreciations in his 
salary." A committee was chosen to confer with 
him, and report thereon. 1785 the committee re 
ported, that the town should make updeprceiations 
according to the scale, and pay interest on arrear- 
ages. The report was accepted, and the depreciation 
estimated at 131/. 85. (5d. In 1779 the town voted 
to add to his salary 1000/. for the present year, vot- 
ed also to assist him by subscription. 

Thus it appears that from 1(554 to 1798, a pe-t 
riod of 144 years, the inhabitants of the town were 
uniformly governed by the principles of equity, jus- 
tice and benevolence in all their transactions rela- 
tive to the support of the gospel; that no request 
was ever made during this period by their ministers, 
but what was cheerfully granted by the town. It 
also appears to have been the uniform sense of the 
people, that depreciations in salaries ought to be 
made up, and their original value preserved. 

Though this principle was denied in 1798, yet it 
was recognized m 1802, by the town, at the final acL 
justment with Mr. Packard, as was that also of re- 
munerating a minister for betterments, made on min a 
isterial land, 



94 

In 1798, Mr. Packard requested tlie town to make 
Up the depreciations which had taken place in his 
salary since his settlement. This request, when it 
came before the town, was dismissed without much 
discussion and without even referring it to a com- 
mittee to consider and report thereon. At a subse- 
quent town meeting in Dec. 1798,it was voted to add 
20/. to Mr Packard's salary yearly, tor six years; but at 
the next meeting in March 1799. it was voted to re- 
consider the grant of 20/. ; which therefore was not 
assessed, until it was found to be recoverable bv a 
suit at law. In 1802, an arrangement was made for 
Mr- Packard's dismission. It was agreed to allow 
him for the depreciations of his salary and beuer- 
ments made on the ministerial land over and above 
the receipts. And July 5, 1802, his ministerial re- 
lation was dissolved. 

Now therefore considering the obligations of a 
christian people to know those, that labor among 
them in word and doctrine, and see that they are a- 
mong them without fear ; considering the express de- 
claration of the Apostle, thus hath the Lord ordain- 
ed, that those who preach the gospel shall live by 
the gospel ; considering also the insufficiency of my 
aalary in its original, much more in its present de- 
preciated state to answer the demands of the station 
i fill, I cannot but construe the extraordinary trans- 
actions of the town in refusing to make up depre- 
ciations in my salary, or reimburse the money laid 
out in making 'great and permanent improvement^ 
on the ministerial laud,' or give me any assistance in 
any way to enable me to carry on the work of the 
gospel ministry. I cannot but view these transactions 
as a virtual declaration on the part of the town, that 
they wish the sacred relation between them and me 
dissolved; and as pointing out to me the imperious 
duty of asking for its dissolution. 

At the same time I wish it might be remember- 



95 

\i ■:... nothing but the utter impossibility bf ful- 
filling the duties of the ministry under present cir- 
eumstancesi united with the belief, 4 that Island in 
..;■>' of some other person, who would (ill the 
iSlace with more honor and usefulness to you, could 
induce me to ask for a dismission. If my removal 
create trouble and expense to you, it will cause much 
more to me. 

i have to acknowledge as an act of justice I owe 
to the town, the punctuality with which my salary 
has been quarterly paid. I shall also carry with rac 
to the grave, a grateful sense of the kindness and 
friendly aid of many individuals, to whose charity, 
and that of priyaie friends out oi town, I am indeb- 
ted for those supplies, which have enabled me to con- 
tinue with you so long. 

On the whole I cannot but consider it a duty, 
which I owe to my family, to religion and to you. 
after having so frequently acquainted you with my 
necessities, to no purpose ; to seek imployment else- 
where, where I may have abetter prospect of com- 
petency and usefulness. 

Thirteen years of my life have been spent in in- 
defatigable labors for your good, without laying up 
any thing at all for the education of a rising family, 
or my own comfort in sickness and old age. During 
this period i have been favored with such health as 
to be able to meet you in the house of God, on every 
weekly sabbath but one ; and have been providential- 
ly absent but three or four sabbaths, though accord- 
ing to agreement I might have been absent 26 sab- 
baths. 

The poor remains of my mortal existence, I feel 
it my duty to devote to my family in providing some- 
thing for the education of my children, and for my 
own comfort in those evil days, when a minister's ac- 
tive labors cease and his past services are forgotten ; 
and when he who has spent his life in the service of 



96 

others, without providing comfortably for himself, 
must expect to meet the ingratitude and neglect oi 
those to whose good his better days have been de 
voted. 

I am, brethren, yours to serve in the gospel of our Lore 
Jesus Christ. WILKES ALLEN. 

March 1,1 81 7. 

At the town meeting in March various proposal 
were made by individuals tor affording Mr. Allen as- 
sistance, but none met the approbation of the town. 
A committee was chosen to agree with him on the 
terms of his dismission, agreeable to his request ; 
and the following were offered to said committee. 

I. That the town pay him 500 dollars in conside- 
ration for betterments made on the ministerial land 
and depreciations in his salary. 

II. That the town be at the expence of a dismis- 
sing council which shall be called immediately. 

III. The dissolution of the civil contract betweer; 
him and the town shall take eifect at the end of the 
present year of his ministry, which will be on the 
16th Nov. next. 

At the next town meeting in April the above re 
port was read by the Moderator, and the following 
vote passed. 

Voted, That this Town allow and pay unto th>«r 
Rev. Wilkes Allen, the sum of five hundred dol- 
lars which sum shall be in full compensation for the 
Betterments made by him on the ministerial landn 
and in full consideration of the depreciation of hie: 
salary to be paid in two equal annual payments, 
provided he will sign and execute a release in full 
ior the aforesaid claims and file the same with the 
Town-Clerk, withdraw his request for a dismission 
and consent to remain with the Town according tr< 
the terms of his settlement. 

Attest, NATHANIEL HOWARD, Town-Clerk, 

Rev. Wilkes Allen. Chelmsford, April 9, 1817 



97 

Air. Hale, to whose enterprize and industry, the 
jg,,, inhabitants of the town are indebted for the in- 
troduction of several useful machines,and the e- 
rection of sundry mills,set up at his owncxpenco and 
as sole proprietor, works for the manufacture of gun- 
powder The manufactory consists of five or six 
small buildings at the distance of fifteen or twenty 
rods from one another. The mill contains forty- 
pestles. 

The powder is of an excellent quality, burns 
quickly, and has been uniformly found to exceed, in 
strength, the requirements oJ the Law. 

Cyrus Baldwin Esq. is appointed by the Gover- 
nor and council. Inspector and Sealer of Powder, at 
this Manufactory. 

The works were enlarged and two other gentle- 
,o.q men taken into partnership with the original 
proprietor — viz. Mr. Wm. Tileston of Boston, 
and Mr. Oliver M vV hippie, who superintends the 
whole business in Chelmsford. From the 1st. Feb 
1319 to the 1st. Jan. 1820 were inspected by C, 
Baldwin Esq. 79,475lb.* 

'Method of proving Gun-powder — Every Inspector of a Magazine or 
Powder manufactory is furnished by the state with a Howitzer, and .1 
sufficient number of 12lb balls. In order to try the strength of Gun- 
powder, take one "z. of powder and put into the Howitzer, which is el- 
evated at 45 degrees and if it throw a Ball of 12lb. wt over 75 yds. it is 
proof and the Inspection mark to be put on, with the name of the In- 
spector in full — agreeable to the laws of this Common vealth 

For further particulars respecting making of Gun-powder see Dicfv 
Arts and Sciences Vol. 2. page 1531, also Rees Cy'a. Vol. xvii. part 2d. 

1819. Two new roads made — one from Pawtucket falls to the head of 
Middlesex canal, the other beginning at Capt, Sherebiah Spalding's house 
and thence running to Hill's Bridge, Billerica, which was rebuilt the 
same year. 

The same year the Ladies of Chelmsford subscribed £30 for constitut- 
ing their minister a life-member of the American Bible-Society. 



9tf 



REVIEW, 

AND CONCLUDING ADDRESS 

TO THE INHABITANTS OF CHELMSFORD. 



I have endeavored 1o give you a faithful account 
of what your ancestors did, and of what they were ; 
that you may have their image constantly before 
your eyes, to excite you to virtuous activity ; and that 
you may be enabled to transmit the knowledge of 
their character and deeds to 'your children, your 
children to their children, and their children to the 
generations that shall come after them, that they all 
may learn to place their trust in God and not forget 
his wonderful works of old." 

In the men of other times, who haVe passed in re- 
view before us, we see a uniform, predominant zeal 
for the interest of religion, blended with a strong love 
of peace and order, and issuing in the fruits of right- 
eousness. Like the Romans in their primitive pu-* 
rity, 'they cultivated good morals at home and a- 
broad. They lived in the greatest harmony with- 
out avarice. They practiced justice and equity 
from principles of virtue, rather than from the re- 
straints of laws.' 

They contended with one another only in the 
cause of virtue. They were liberal in their relig- 
ious offerings, sparing and prudent in their domestic 
concerns.* 

* Igitur domi railitiajque boni more* colebantur; concordia maxima, 
minima avaricia erat ; jus bonumque apud eos nbn legibus magis quam 
natiira, valebant. Cives cum civibus de virtute certabant. Iu suppliers" 
ileorum raagnirici, domi parci, iu amicos fideres erant. Salmt. 



.99 

VV hatever they acquired in their respective oc- 
cupations they consecrated to God and virtue/* 

For the truth of the foregoing remarks when ap- 
plied to the early inhabitants ot the town, we need 
only recur to tho early erection of a meeting house, 
the attainment and support of a settled minister, and 
the purchase of a bell, and the cautious steps taken 
in admitting men to become inhabitants of the town. 
Their sacrifice of domestic conveniences and person- 
al gratifications to procure convenient appendages to 
the house of worship, stables for their horses, and 
rooms for their own comfort, during the intermission, 
is a convincing proof of their supreme regard to re.r 
ligion, and shews " that they made the world as 
twelve and religion as thirteen." 

The habits of the people have been uniformly re* 
gular, sober and temperate. We can point to no pe- 
riod, when there was a prevailing disposition among 
the people to idleness, gambling, or excessive drink- 
ing. It has also been characteristic of the inhabi- 
tants of the town from generation to generation to 
live peaceably. Religious quarrels have been en- 
tirely unknown. f Litigations have been few and 
circumscribed in their operations and effects. They 
have lived peaceably with their ministers, who with 
one exception sleep quietly with their congregations 
in the peaceable mansions of the dead. They have 
exhibited a pattern of justice and moderation, pit ty 
and charity, worthy the imitation of the present and 
of future generations. 

Faults they doubtless had ; but they are conceal- 
ed in a great measure from our eyes, by the thick 
veil of time, Their virtues only we wish to know 
and remember. They excelled us in ihe most im- 

*Qua? homines arant, naviganf, aedificant, virtuti omnia parent, salhist 
tShould not the descendents of such worthy and religious ancestors 
view the introduction of labor and dissipation on the sabbath, as a pest, 
which will spread evils, if not nip't in the bud, that will Boon become 
uncontrolable. 

.W2 



100 

portant point, religion ; we have outstripcd them in 
the knowledge of useful aits, and in the application 
of that knowledge to practice. They valued relig- 
ion above riches, the favor ot God above life itself. 
Let me conclude with a few hints relative to the 
future prosperity of the town. 

1. As society grows out of the mutual wants of men y 
so it must bo supported and cemented by their mu- 
tual kindness and assistance. Public spirit is the 
main spring of social happiness and prosperity. A 
society of selfish men, envious of rival worth and 
prosperity, must come to nothing. A house divided 
against itself cannot stand. 

It you wish for increasing prosperity, you must 
move, like the planetary svstem, round a common 
centre, and that with increasing haimony. You 
must sacrifice at one altar and remember that you 
are members of one community, and interested in 
promoting the honor and prosperity of one town. — 
M\ hile the Jewish nation worshipped at Jerusalem, 
and felt a national pride in maintaining the splendor 
and magnificence of their temple worship, their 
peace was as a river, and their prosperity as the 
waves of the sea. But after the ten tribes revolted 
and set up an altar at Samaria, they were in perpet- 
ual wars and contentions, which hastened their ruin. 
Similar consequences have often followed the divis- 
ion of towns. By dividing, the expenses necessary to 
the maintenance of civil and religious society, are in- 
creased, and the resources diminished. The bur- 
den, which many can easily bear, falls with insup- 
portable weight on a few. The inconvenience, 
which the remote inhabitants of a large town, ex- 
perience by their distance from the centre finds an 
equivalent advantage, resulting from diminished ex- 
pense. All possible pains should therefore be tak- 
en to promote union and harmony and prevent the 
division of the town into separate and inconsiderable 



101 

parties, or societies ; lest under the specious pretext 
of multiplying facilities, you increase the difficulties 
to religious knowledge and improvement. 

2. Cherish that mutual concern for one another, 
which makes the sufferings of one member, the mis- 
forrunc of all, and the prosperity of one, the happi- 
ness of a.l Thus did your fathers.* 

\Y hen sickness or any remarkable misfortune be- 
fall a worthy, industrious person, your ancestors af- 
forded him relief, and thus prevented a calamity 
from coming upon the community, and cheered the 
drooping spirit of the distressed and unfortunate. 
In a more perfect state of christian society, than 
the present, if one member suifer, all the members 
will suffer with it. Constantly aim at this state of 
christian perfection. 

3. Encourage and support mechanics and trades- 
men and men of knowledge and skill in the learned 
profession.*, and especially such as unite to a compe- 
tent knowledge of their trade or profession good 
morals and religious habits and feelings. A society 
of agriculturalists alone without mechanics and pro- 
fessional men would be extremely defective. The 
possessors of the soil therefore should encourage 
handicraftsmen, mechanics and tradesmen, by selling 
them land at a reasonable price for the erection of 
work-shops and dwelling houses, by employing them 
in preference toothers of the same trade in neigh- 
boring towns and by promptly paying them for their 
services. This wise policy was adopted by the 
early settlers in the town and should be remembered 
and imitated by their posterity to the latestgeneration, 
In return for your encouragement and support of me- 
chanics and tradesmen,they will facilitate your attain' 
ment of the necessaries and comforts of life, receive 
your surplus produce and save you much time and 
expence in transporting it to market, and in going 

•See the annexed list of charitable contributions.— No. 1Q. 



102 

ifnto other towns for that mechanical assistance, 
which might be obtained nearer home. The me- 
chanics are indispensible to the advantageous pursuit 
of agriculture; they are therefore the handmaids 
to individual and national wealth. The society thai 
encourages them will flourish. 

The learned professions also are absolutely neces- 
sary to the happiness of individuals and to the pros- 
perity of civil and religious societies. Are you sick, 
you want a physician, who better knows your dis- 
ease and remedy, than you do ; in whose skill and 
prudence you can conlide ; whose moral and relig- 
ious character united with professional abilities qual- 
ifies him for a confidential friend, and sympathizing 
helper, and a daysman between disease and death. 
Who in the hour of sickness and distress, has not 
felt, that the blessing of such a physician was above 
all price ! Who has not secretly poured out his soul 
in thankful praise to the giver of life for the kind 
assistance of one, who if he could not rescue from 
going down to the grave, could retard the progress 
of the disease, mitigate its violence and like the 
prophet Elisha, command a temporary pause in 
the descending sun of life : 

** Raise the weak head, and stay the parting sigh, 
Or with new life relume the ewimniing eye." 

Are you opprest by the unjust, circumvented by 
the fraudulent, or embarrassed and perplexed in the 
settlement of your worldly affairs, or attainment of 
your just rights, you want an able, learned, and 
honest attorney, who can unravel the mazes of law, 
plead your cause at the bar of justice, extrieate you 
from difficulty, and assist you in the attainment, and 
secure you in the enjoyment of your just rights. In 
the profession of law you want not an incendiary 
but an umpire ; a man in whom " is the spirit of 
the Lord." Such a man " will do you good and 
not evil all his days." 



103' 

$ot less do you want a minister of the New* Ted* 
lament, whose superior knowledge shall irradiate 
the path of duty ,dctect the falacies of the heart and 
pour the light and consolations of eternal truth into 
your souls. You want a man, 

" whose heart is warm, 
" Whose hands am pure, whose doctrine and whbse life 
" Coincident, exhibit lucid proof, 
•'That he is honest in' the sacred cause ; 

—Much impressed 
t( Himself, as conscious of his awful cha^p, 
"And anxious maiuly, that the flock lie feeds 
" May feel it too. Affectionate in look 
11 And tender in address as well becomes 
•* A messenger of grace to guilty men." 

These must be supported ; they ought to be by 
their profession. When men in any of the learned 
professions are obliged to leave their calling to " serve 
tables," society suffers a very great injury. 

4. Improve the advantages accruing to you from 
the very respectable and growing Library, estab-' 
lishedin town. This source of useful information 
lies open at a small expense to all. Your time will 
be much better and more happily spent in drawing 
water from this well of knowledge, than in contem- 
plating your worldly gains, or mourning over your 
worldly losses. The light of science prepared the 
way for the rising of the sun of righteousness upon a 
benighted world. The diffusion and increase ot that 
light are natural means of opening the day spring 
from above, to the soul, and of introducing the uni- 
versal reign of Evangelical truth and grace over the 
world. Human learning when rightly improved, 
helps us to obtain the knowledge of God and of his 
son Jesus Christ, to know whom aright is life eter- 
nal. 

5. As the field, which your fathers have left to*- 
your culture and care, has not by nature the most 
favorable surface, you have therefore the more need 
of the aids of art. Avail yourselves of modern pi- 



J 04 

periments in agriculture, and you will make constant 
improvement in the management of your woodi inds, 
in the tillage of your fields, in rebuilding >our slone 
walls, and clearing up the he iges around the..;, in 
breaking up fallow ground, which is now unproduc- 
tive and in the breeding and culture of liocks & nerds. 
On the whole you possess by your lo.al advanta- 
ges and by nature resources, which few towns can 
boast ; and nothing is wanting to render your situation 
eligible, arid to make you a prosperous, aiiluent and 
respectable town, but industry and economy in em- 
ploying and managing your resources ; and public 
spirit, virtue and piety, without which no community 
can flourish. 

In every society the weight of property and influ- 
ence is in the hanis of a few. On the enterprise, 
public spirit and religious example of the more 
wealthy and influential the prosperous state of so- 
ciety depends. They work the secret springs, which 
keep the life blood of community in motion and com- 
municate vital warmth to the extremities of the body 
politic. 

To whom much is given, from them will much be 
required. 

To you the picture of a happy society, drawn by 
Doctor Belknap, is partially applicable, and may be 
made fully so by your exertions and improvements. 
" A town consisting of a due mixture of hills; vaihes, 
and streams of water. The land well fenced and 
cultivated ; the roads and bridges in good repair. 
Decent inns for the refreshment oi travellers, and 
for public entertainment. The inhabitants mostly 
husbandmen ; their wives and daughters domestic 
manufacturers; a suitable proportion of handicraft 
workmen and two or three trailers ; a physician and 
a lawyer; a clergyman of good understanding, can- 
did disposition and exemplary morals; not a meta- 
physical, nor a polemic, but a serious practical preach- 



105 

er. A school master, who should understand his 
business, and teach his pupils to govern themselves. 
Asocial Library annually increasing, and under good 
regulations. A decent musical society. No intriguing 
politician, horse-jockey, gambler, or sot. Such a 
situation may be considered as the most favorable 
to local happiness, of any which this world can af- 
ford." 

May your virtues like those of your ancestors^ 
send down your names with honor to posterity ; and 
blending the glory of the children with that of the 
fathers, enlighten the dark vista ot future years, til), 
time shall be no more. 



106 

HISTORICAL SKETCH 

OF THE CHURCH OF 

CHELMSFORD. 



" Nihil sine, nihil conlrct, nihil prader y nihil ultra, divinam 
Wripturam, admittendum." 

THE origin of the Church in Chelmsford, is not 
certainly known. Its existence probably commenc- 
ed about the time of the arrival of the Rev. Mr. 
Fiske and a part of his church from Wenham in 
1654 or 1655. As a majority of his Church is said 
to have come with him, their establishment here, 
may be considered as the removal of that body to 
anew place, not the gathering of a new church. 

The church at Wenham, was formed in 1644. — 
The only form of government and discipline then in 
general use, was that drawn up by the Rev. Mr. 
Cotton, in 1633. This platform was adopted by 
nearly all the churches in New England, and took 
the name of Congregational. It was the basis and 
ground work of the Cambridge platform, which was 
published in 1648, and. contains the true principles 
of ( Congregationalism. The substance of which will 
be found in the following abstract. 

I. " The subject matter of the visible church is 
saints by calling, i e. such as are acquainted with 
the principles of religion and profess their faith in 
Christ. 

II. "The constitutive part of a particular church, 
ought to be a mutual covenanting to walk together 
in christian communion, according to the' rule of the 
gospel. 



«< No chi rch ought to be greater in exieui ou 

han may 01 ipai ' meet together in one 

I Pop the enjoyment of the i same numerical or- 

l for the ce!< >rati g of divine worships 

. ■ . v i tb ai ran cotj I \y carry on relif 

in and ordinance^. 

I V. " There is no jurisdiction tu which particular 
churches are or ougjit to be subject by way oi au- 
thoritative censure; or any other church power ex- 
trinsical to such churches, on which they ought to 
depend* 

Doct. Mosheim, says, " the ciiurches in apostolic 
times, were e itirely independent, none of them sub- 
ject to any forcing jurisdiction; but each one govern- 
ed by its own rulers and its own lav. s. For though 
the churches founded by the Apostles, had this pe- 
culiar difference shewn them, that they consulted 
in doubtful and difficult cases; yet they had no juri- 
dical authority, no sort of supremacy, nor the least 
right to enact laws for theru. .Nothing is more evi- 
dent than the perfect equality, which reigned among 
the primitive churches. Nor does there even ap- 
pear the smallest frace oi that association of provin- 
cial chinches, from which councils and metropolitans 
derive their origin." vol. 1. p. 105. 

Mr. Cotton's, plan perfectly harmonizes with Mo- 
sheim's account oi the apostolic & primitive churches. 

On these principles the church of Chelmsford was 
formed. It lias always endeavored to maintain 
th-'in, as tiie genuine principles of Congregationalism. 
It adheres steadfastly to them. It considers itself 
competent to administer discipline and do every 
thing, necessary for its own preservation, peace and 
edification, it holds to the social nature of religion, 
the fellows, ip of the churches, the expediency of ad- 
visory councils in cases of disagreement and difficulty. 
It rejects, as uuscriptioral and subversive of religious 
liberty, ail preconcerted tribunals, whether consocia- 
tions, s\noas, or general associations as having 



108 

any jurisdiction or authority, or even a right to ad- 
vise, except on special invitation and request. 

The Church covenant, which Mr. Fiske used, is 
irrecoverably lost, unless it be substantially the same 
with that, adopted in 1629 by the church in Salem. 
This covenant was sanctioned by the civil and eccle- 
siastical authorities then extant in the country. 
When Mr. Fiske gathered the church in Salem vil- 
lage, afterwards Wenham, there is scarcely room 
for a doubt that he adopted it either in form or sub- 
stance, or both, and retained its use in the church, at 
Chelmsford. With this impression we shall insert 
it at length. It deserves the attentive perusal of 
those, who would form correct ideas of the nature 
and design of a protestant church, and of a proper 
instrument to form individuals into a church state. 

The people, who arrived in Salem 1629, consult* 
ed with their brethren at Plymouth, what steps to 
take in order to form themselves into a church state 
" according to the written word of God*" On the 
sixth day ofAugust soon after their arrival they kept 
a fast and sought divine direction " in settling a 
church- state and entering into a holy covenant." 

Messengers from the church of Plymouth attend- 
ed and assisted in this solemn transaction. The 
covenant by which the first church in Massachusetts 
colony was formed, was the following. 

tc We covenant with our Lord and one with anoth- 
er ; and we do bind ourselves in the presence of 
pod to walk together in all his ways according as he is 
pleased to reveal himself unto us in his blessed word 
of truth, and do explicitly profess to walk as follow- 
eth, through the power and grace of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

We avouch the Lord to be our God and ourselves 
to be his people in the truth arid simplicity of our 
|pirit$ 



100 

We give ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ and 
/he word of his grace for teaching, ruling and sanc- 
tifying of us in matters of worship and conversation, 
resolving to cleave unto him alone for life and glory, 
and to reject all contrary ways, canons, and constitu- 
tions of men in his worship. 

We promise to walk with our brethren with all 
watchfulness and tenderness, avoiding jealousies, sus- 
picions, backbitings, censurings, provocations, secret 
risings of spirit against them; but in all offences to 
follow the rule of our Lord Jesus Christ, to bear and 
forbear, give and forgive, as he hath taught us. 

In public or private we will willingly do nothing 
to the offence of the church ; but will be willing to 
take advice for ourselves and ours, as occasion shall 
be presented. 

We will not in the congregation be forward ei- 
ther to show our own gifts and parts in speaking, o* 
scrupling or there discover the weakness and failings 
of our brethren, but attend an orderly call thereto, 
knowing how much tfie Lord may be dishonored and 
his gospel and the profession of it slighted by our dis- 
tempers and weakness in public. 

We bind ourselves to sjudy the advancement of 
the gospel in all truth and peace ; both in regard to 
those that are within or without; noways slighting 
our sister churches, but using their council, as need 
shall be ; not laying a stumbling block before any,, 
no, not the Indians, whose good we desire to pro- 
mote ; and so to converse, that we may avoid the 
very appearance of evil. 

We do hereby promise to carry ourselves in all 
lawful obedience to those that are over us in church 
or Commonwealth, knowing how well pleasing it 
will be to the Lord, that they should have encour- 
agement in their places by our not grieving their 
spirits through our irregularities. 

We resolve to approve ourselves to the Lord in 
t.ii; particular callings.shunning idleness a« the bane o< 



lie 

any state ; nor will we deal hardlv or oppressively 
with any, wherein we are the Lord's Stewards. 

Promising also unto our best ability to teach our 
children and servants the knowledge of God and of 
his holy will, that they may serve him also, and all 
this not by any strength of our own, but by the Lord 
Christ, whose blood we desire may sprinkle this our 
covenant made in his name." 

The half way covenant, is a covenant of persons 
with the church merely for the purpose of obtaining 
baptism for their children without partaking of the 
communion themselves, was abolished in 1803. 

The arguments used by the opposition- — partly in 
the synod, which devised and recommended this 
practice, are in the mind of the writer suffic ient rea- 
sons for laving it aside. " If true saving faith be ne- 
cessary in a parent in order to entitle his offspring to 
baptism, as all acknowledge j and if this be all that 
is required in order to full communion ; then no rea- 
son can possibly exist for admitting persons into the 
church to receive baptism for then children, and for 
excusing them from attendance on the ordinance of 
the supper." 

The custom of calling for a vote of the church on 
admission of members and of requiring persons to 
make a confession of particular sins was discontinu- 
ed in 1794. 

The same year the form of the covenant was 
changed and a more plain, Evangelical one adopted : 
of which the following is a copy. 

COVENANT* 

" You do now in the presence of God and before 
this assembly profess a sincere belief in the existence, 
providence and government of an infinitely wise, 
just, and guod being, who searches the hearts and 
regards ttie actions of men, and whom we ought tp 

♦Written by Rev, Mr. Packard. 



1)1 

Worship and serve. You believe in man's primeval 
innocence, voluntary transg ession and unhappy ial! 
i 7 ou believe that God spake to the lathers by the 
prophets aforetime, and that he now speaks unto us 
in the gospel of Christ, who is the one Mediator be- 
tween God and man, and the only true way to eter- 
nal life. You do humbly confess your sins of e very- 
name and nature, and implore the benefits of the 
Spirits' guidance, the Son's sacrifice and the Father's 
mercy. And you do heartily desire to give up your- 
self to God, resolving to deny all ungodliness, 
and to live as the gospel teaches. You commit 
yourself to the care and discipline of this church of 
Christ and promise to walk in communion with it so 
long, as God in his providence shall give you oppor- 
tunity*. Thus you believe, resolve and promise." 

The present mode of admittting persons to com- 
munion is by examination of the pastor,* who on sat- 
isfactory evidence of their repentance, faith and res- 
olutions of new obedience, propounds them to the 
church, who individually have liberty and opportu- 
nity to satisfy themselves, touching their qualifica- 
tions, and of objecting, if they see cause. Ifno objec- 
tion is offered, they are admitted by the silent con- 
sent of the church. 

The church from its origin, to the present time 
appears to have been exempted from quarrels and. 
unchristian disputes and divisions. 

It has never had occasion to call a council to set- 
tle any differences among its members or any un- 
happy misunderstandings and disaffection between 
the members and their pastors. It has frequently 

♦This is agreeable to the earliest custom at Salem. At Salem tllej- 
ieft it to the discretion and faithfulness of their elders. Some were ad- 
mitted after their first answering questions about religion, propounded to 
them. Some were admitted when the^ h. d presented in writing such 
things, as might give satisfaction to the people of God — and some orally 
addressed the people of God and asked communion with them ; which 
diversity was perhaps more beautiful, than would have been a more 
riunctiliqus uniformity. : i father's .Mo g. Ghri. .?•.•:--■ 



Hi 

had occasion to exercise its powers in disciplining 
disorderly me inhere, and has always by prudent 
management accomplished its ends. 

The niimber of church members at the commence- 
ment of Rev. Mr. Bridge's ministry was 

Males 73— Females 122— Total 195. Do. of Rev. 
Mr. Packard's—Males 40— Females 62-Total 102. 
Do. of the present Pastor's-Males 39-Fe males 73- 
Total 102. — Present number, Males 36— Females 
72— Total 108. 

When there were but 853 souls in town, in 174T, 
there were 195 professors of religion. Now the 
population is increased to 1450, and the number of 
professors, including Baptists, may be estimated at 
160. 

During the reigrt of' New Lightism,' many disor- 
ders and irregularities broke out in the New Eng- 
land churches, which gave occasion for much wisdom 
and prudence in the management and discipline of 
dffending members. 

One instance is recorded, which deserves mention, 
ats containing a full illustration of an important ques- 
tion, which recent facts furnish daily occasion to ask, 
viz. How shall a church conduct towards those, who 
leave its stated worship and communion, and go to 
a neighboring church, under pretext of being more 
edified ? 

A complaint was made to the Pastor, by sundry 
brethren, of Job Spalding and Lydia his wife, and 
Mary Stedman, for irregular and disorderly con- 
i±AG duct and behavior ; in that 'the abovesaid 
persons do absent themselves from the pub- 
lic worship of God with us at all times, except when 
the sacrament of the Lord's supper, is administered, 
and that the said Mary Stedman. hath absented her* 
self not only from the public worship of God,but also 
from the administration of all ordinances,for consider- 
able time, which we apprehend to be a violation of 
feer solemn engagement with us,' 



313 

The church, at a regular meeting called for the 
purpose, after prayer for divine direction, proceed- 
ed to the consideration of the charge and the proof 
on which it rested. The accused acknowledged the 
truth of the charge in general ; but were not con- 
vinced of its being erroneous and disorderly conduct. 
They declared their conviction of its beinL r 
their duty so to do, and their determination to per- 
severe in this practice, until they were convinced of 
their error. Hereupon the church voted bv a 
great majority, 

"That persons absenting themselves commonl? 
and generally from the stated worship of God on 
the Lord's day, not being hindered in the providence' 
of God* and no good and weighty reason being given* 
are an olfencc and grievance to the church." " Nev- 
ertheless the church arc willing to hear the excuse 
of the above said J. S. L. S. and M. S. why thev 
went into such conduct, '' 

At an adjourned meeting Feb. 12, 1745-6, Job 
Spalding and wife offered in writing the following 
•reasons ', to wit i— *■" Because they can be better ed- 
ified and enlightened intd gospel truths by hearing 
Mr. Bliss of Concord, than by hearing Mr. Bridge." 

J. SPALDING. 
L. SPALDING, 

To which the Pastor replied,, that they were not 
charged with irregular conduct iu that they could be 
better edified bv Mr. Bliss, than by himself: but 
in absenting themselves from public worship and com- 
munion iri the church to which they belonged in viola- 
tion of their covenant engagements without any pre- 
vious notice given to the church of their dissatisfac- 
tion ; or any attempts to remove their grievance. 

The church voted " that they were not satisfied 
with the reasons assigned by the offender;-, and a- 



114 

grreed to adjourn the meeting in order toffive further 
dine for consideration to both parties." 

When met agreeable to adjournment, the afore- 
said Job and Ly ia Spak ing offered, as what they 
supposed would be satisfactory, the following con- 
cession. *t That they were sorry that they had 
not taken proper steps, not that they had wrested 
themselves from the communion of this church. For 
they declared they would do so stili, nevertheless 
they asked forgiveness." 

Hereupon the church passed the subsequent 
votes : — 

I. " That they considered the above acknowledge- 
ment and declaration as a contempt cast upon the 
church. 

II. That they would proceed to pass censure up- 
on the aforesaid Job and Lydia Spaldmg. 

III. That it should be tlrat of admonition; which 
was accordingly done m the name and presence of 
the church by the pastor." They were also pro- 
hibited the privilege of communion until satislaction 
should be given to the church. 

Mary Stedman, it appears, was a zealous friend 
and follower of W hitnelc/Tennant and i thers oi that 
description, and enjoyei such immediate revelations 
and communications from above, as raised her to 
the privilege of exemption from all ecclesiastical au- 
thority and rule on earth. She behaved in a very 
indecorous and unchristian manner before the church. 
After 18 years separation, she confessed her errors 
and was restored. 

The case of Job Spalding was continued 26 years, 
and terminated in a satisfactory acknowledgement, 
and restoration to church privileges. 

The principle which this case illustrates is, that 
persons under covenant engagements in a particular 
church, being dissatisfied with the public instruc- 
tions or conduct of individuals, or mode of discipline, 



I 



115 

cannot innocently and regularly withhold from wor- 
shipping and communing in that church until they 
have given notice oi" their dissatisfaction and taken 
roper measures to remove it, and of their desire to 
ave their relationship dissolved, that they may at- 
tend worship and communion in some other church, 
where they can he better edified ; and where they 
think it their duty to attend. The church's censure 
of the above said offenders was not for going to hear 
preaching " more enlightening and edifying than what 
tl.ey could hear in their own church" — but for vio- 
lating covenant engagements in withdrawing without 
previous notice given to the church or attempts to 
remove the hindrance to edification, or a request for 
dismission, with the reasons on which it was founded. 
Whatever evils may grow out of the principle of 
dismissing persons irom a church on the pretence 
that they can be better edified in another, yet it is 
better to dismiss malcontents regularly than retain 
them in uneasiness, or force them into disorderly 
steps. Besides the denial ot the principle would 
infringe the rights of conscience, and abridge the re- 
ligious liberties claimed by protestants as their di- 
vinely seeured right, and guaranteed by the laws of 
the Commonwealth. 

As one end of incorporating towns is the regular 
maintenance of religious institutions, and as the set* 
tlement and support of a gospel minister, are trans- 
actions partly civil and partly ecclesiastical, yet inti- 
mately connected ; so churches by long established 
usage have been confined to town lines and bounda- 
ries, and the practice of overleaping them in forming 
churches and admitting members has ever been con- 
sidered as irregular and disorderly. Notwithstand- 
ing, that the rights of conscience might be preserved 
inviolable, the constitution exempts any man from 
contributing towards the support of any minister, 
regularly settled in the town where he live?, provid- 



116 

eA he cannot conscientiously attend on his ministry, 
and provided also that there be any other minister 
of a different persuasion on whose ministry he docs 
attend." The constitution therefore permits the 
disorder and irregularity of going out of town to 
enjoy religious worship and ordinances on the plea 
of conscience to prevent the greater evil of infringing 
it? sacred rights, 

Order is the first law of religious as well as civil 
society, and this consists in all the members observ- 
ing : 'bcrtain established laws and regulations. Hence 
the practice of inviting itinerant preachers into pri- 
vate houses to preach, or of going to hear them in a 
community where there is an ordained minister, is a 
violation of the civil and religious compact, and was 
accounted a censurable practice by this church as 
appears by their vote, Nov. 7, 1743- 

" Whereas of late the churches in this land have 
been much infested with lay exhorters ; and some 
ministers who have left their own parishes and 
charges,$nd undertaken to play the bishop in anoth- 
er man's diocese, to the great disturbance of towns 
and churches, and to the breach of christian com- 
munion in those churches and places, where they 
come ; and whereas this church and town have 
been sorely distracted by such persons coming a- 
mong us, and preaching and exhorting in private 
houses without the consent of the stated pastor ; and 
whereas one Pain, a lawyer, belonging to the colony 
of Connecticut, hath been lately introduced into the 
town by John Birge and Gersham Procter, two of 
the brethren of the church,and invited by them and 
allowed to exhort in their houses — ^and whereas di- 
vers females of our communion have followed the 
naid Pain, an exhorter, and a very illiterate one too. 
to Westtord on the Lord's day; and the said John 
Birge, Gersham Proctor and diverse women, so oi- 
i*ndmg: have acknowledged their faults to tjie sa-tr 



117 

faction of the church ; at the motion and request 
of Abraham Byam and Pelatiah Adams, two other 
brethren, this meeting is called to see what may be 
proper to be done to prevent such conduct in future. 
it is on mature deliberation resolved and voted by the 
church, that the practice which some of our brethren 
have gone into of late of asking itinerant preachers 
or lay exhorters to preach in their private houses ; 
or to go into other towns to hear sucn preachers on, 
Lord's day, is offensive to this church ; and if any 
member do so for the future, or in any way encour* 
age such itinerants, they shall be deemed liable fo 
censure." (Yeas 44 ; Nays 7.) 

BEACONS. 

Cornelius Waldo, came with Rev. Mr. Fisk, from 
Wenham,Died Jan. 3, 1701. — Andrew Spalding,born 
Nov. 19, 1653, died May 5, 1713, aged 60— Samuel 
Foster, born 1619, died July 10, 1 702, aged 83 — 
JBenjamin Adams, died May 13, 1762, aged 83 — 
Andrew Spalding, died Nov. 7,1753, aged 73 — - 
Stephen Pierce, died Sept. 9, 1749, aged 71 — Eph. 
Spalding, chosen Jan. 30, 1749, died Dec. 28, 1791, 
aged 83 — John Warren, chosen Dec. 18, 1749, re- 
moved to Townsend 1764 — Ebenezer Goold, chosen 
May 3, 1764, resigned 1804, died April 6, 1816,aged 
90 years and 36 days— John Farmer, chosen 1797, 
removed to Mernmack, 1803, died at Merrimack* 
Nov. 17,1814, aged 52-Benja. Parkhurst,chosen Jan. 
3, I771,resigned lK12.died 1812 set. 71-AaronCham- 
berlain, chosen Jan. 20, 1771, resigned 1804, died 
Sept. 27, 1816, aged 90 — Josiah Parkhurst, chosen 
1804, died Dec. 30, 1818, aged 56— Owen Emerson, 
chosen 1804 — Noah Spalding, chosen 1812, 

Legacies and Donations, 

1764-Capt. Jona. Richardson, left a legacy of 201 



118 

old tenor ; 21. 13s. 4d. lawful money ; for the use 
of the Church. 

1754-Mr. Benjamin Chamberlin, 41. lawful money, 
to the use of the church. 

1775-Capt. Ebenezer Parker, bequeathed to the 
church il. 6s. 8d. lawful money. 

The following donations were made before any 
church records were kept ; their date is unknown. — > 
Col. W m. Tyng, six pounds ; Capt. Joseph Parker, 
ten pounds, about the year 1740 ; The ftev. Sam- 
son Stoddard, a silver Tankard ; a silver Cup, by 
Rev. Mr. Fiske.t A Legacy from Col. Clark. 

t This cup is marked on the bottom with I. F. L. C. C. — John Fiske'g, 
Legacy to the Church of Chelmsford. 

Note — 1773 — A new set of furniture, was purchased for the commun- 
ion table, from the proceeds of the old furniture and funds of the church. 
1816 — It was again exchanged for new and more convenient vessels, 
of plated silver, and the expence defrayed by the same means as in the 
former exchange. 



119 

MEMOIRS 

OF THE MINISTERS OF 

CHELMSFORD. 



Tlie Rev. John Fiske.* 

AMONG the writers of the Gospel, with which 
the primitive church was blessed was "Luke the 
beloved Physician," of whom Jeromt elegantly says, 
that as the Apostles from fishers of fish, became 
fishers of men; so from a Physician of bodies, Luke 
was made a Physician of souls; and as his book is 
read in the church, his medicine will not cease.'-— 
So among the first preachers, who rendered the 
primitive times of New England happy, there was 
one, who might likewise be called a 'beloved Phy- 
sician,' one to whom there might also be given the 
eulogy, which the ancients think was given to Luke, 
a brother whose praise was in the gospel throughout 
all the churches. This was Mr. John Fiske. 

Mr. Fiske, was born in the parish of St. James, in 
the county of Suffolk, England, about the year. 1601, 
of pious parents. His grand parents and gr. grand 
parents were eminently zealous in the true religion. 
In the reign of Queen 'Mary, of six brothers of this 
name, three were papists and three protest ants. 
Two of the latter were grievously persecuted. The 
one from whom John the subject of this memoir 
descended, was, to avoid burning, hid many months 
in a woodpile, and afterward half a year in a cellar^ 

* Thi? memoir is taken principally from Cotton Mather's Magnalia. 

t u Quornodo Apostoli de l J i=catoribus pisciura, Piscatores homimim 
facti sunt, ita de Medica corporum in Medicuro versus est animarum. 
Cujas liber quotiescnraquc legitur in l-disiis. totieg mcdi'-inanon cessaV. 



120 

Where he wrought by candle-light at manufactured 
and remained undiscovered. But his many hardships 
brought on excessive bleeding, which shortened his 
days and added to " the cry of the souls under the 
altar." 

John was the eldest of four children, who all came 
with him to New-England, and left posterity with 
whom God etablished his hoK covenant. His par- 
ents having devoted him to the Lord Jesus Christ, 
:.ent him first to a grammar school at the distance of 
two miles from their abode. Being there fitted for 
the University, he was sent to Immanuel College, 
Cambridge, where he resided until he took his first 
degree. Having spent some considerable time in 
preparatory studies he entered upon the work to 
which he had been devoted, and which was his fa- 
vorite object, the preaching of the gospel. In this 
pursuit he would have continued had not satan hin- 
dered him. The conformity act Was odious to him. 
Its friends and supporters 4 breathed out slaughters,* 
and the silencers pressed so hard upon him for his 
Non-conformity* that upon the advice of his friends 
he relinquished the ministry, and turned his atten- 
tion to the study of physick. After a thorough ex- 
amination he obtained licence for public practice. 

At the age of 28 years he married a virtuous ancT 
amiable woman, who did him good and not evil all 
her days. She Avas the sharer and the soother of 
all his tribulations until about three years before his 
death, when she left him to go to be with Chnst t 
which she esteemed far better than to be here. 

In i63G his father died and left him the charge of 
his Mother, two sisters, and youngest brother. This 
event dissolved the strongest ties that bound him 
to his native soil, and removed every obstruction 
that seemed to be in the way to the enjoyment of 
.his favorite pursuit. He resolved on going to New- 
England, where he saw an opportunity for the quiet 



121 

exercise of his ministry. He and Mr. John Allen* 
went on board in disguise to avoid the fury of their 
persecutors-! After they had passed the land's end, 
they entertained the passengers with two sermons 
a day, beside other agreeable discourse, and devo- 
tional exercises, which filled the voyage with so much 
religion, that one of the passengers, being examined 
about his going to divert himself with a hook and 
line ontheLord's day, 'protested that he did not know 
when the Lord's day was ; h* 1 thought every day was 
a sabbath-day ; for they did nothing but pray and 
preach all the week long. 

Mr. Fiske arrived in New-England in the year 
1637. His aged mother died quickly after he came 
on board ; and his only infant quickly after he came 
on shore. He came well stocked with servants and 
all sorts of tools for husbandry and carpentry and 
with provisions to support his family in a wildernrss 
three years ; out of which he charitably lent a con- 
siderable quantity to the country, which he then 
found in the distresses of a war with the Pequot 
Indians. 

He lived a short time at Cambridge, and from 
thence he removed to Salem, where he tarried a- 
bout three years. Here he was both a preacher to 
the church and a tutor to divers young men, of whom 
the well known Sir George Downing was one. He 
afterwards, through the want of grammar schools, 
instructed his own children. 

About the year 1C42 he removed to anew village 
inSalem,afterwards calledWenham,where on the 8th 

*Mr. John Allen settled in Dedham. He died 1671, ait. 75 having been 
at Dedham 24 year?. He was a diligent student and good scholar : iiis ep- 
itaph it is said justly delineates his character. 

Vir, eincerus, amans pacis, patiens quelaboris, 
Perspicuus, simplex, doctrinx* purse amator. 
"Hinder the persecution of Arch Bishop Laud many puritans and non- 
conformists flocked over to New-England, which occasioned a state proc- 
lamation April 50, 1637 forbidding any subjects to transport themselves 
+ .o America without license from his Majes-ly'a commoners. 



122 

Oct. 1644 a church was gathered, of which he con- 
tinued the pastor until the latter part of the year 
1655.* He contented himself with a very mean 
salary, consuming his own esl ate for the welfare of 
the new plantation. For in 1643 he gave ten acres 
of land to the town or society of Wenhara. About 
the end of the year 1655 he removed with the major 
part of his church to another new town calledChelms- 
ford, and there he spent the remainder of his days. 

He was past the meridian of life, when he en- 
tered a new upon the work of the ministry in this 
uncultivated and thinly peopled town. Here new 
trials, hardships and deprivations surrounded him. 
which in youthful vigor might have disheartened 
iiim ; but in the decline of life were enough to over- 
whelm him. His ministerial labors were increased 
by his distance from any other minister, and the dif- 
ficulty and danger of travelling through the woods 
from town to town. For several years there was 
no other minister nearer than Concord and Woburn. 
" Coming from a paradise of pleasure in England to 
a wilderness of wants," his patience and fortitude 
were put to the severest trial. His care for the 
souls of the flock committed to him was unremit- 
ting, while his medical skill imposed on him an in- 
dispcnsible obligation to minister to their corporeal 
health. His services as a physician, were of inesti- 
mable value in the new townships where he resided 
after he came to America.* 

An additional labor was imposed upon him in 1657 
by the earnest solicitation oi' the inhabitants of the 

»« Wenhara the 6 of 12th mo. 1654 i. e. Feb. 12, 1655. [t is ordered 
that the maintenance of our minister shall be j£40 a year, whether Mr 
Kiske stay and settle among us, or we procure another*" December Col- 
lowing it appears that Mr. Fiske had left Wen ham 

-' 31 Dec. 1655. It is ordered that in case Mr. Brook be procured to 

stay among us, be a committee to receive whatever the town has en- 

gaged for Kir. Brook's use. ' iVenham Records. 

*lle was employed in America as a physician whenever he would con- 
sent. Rev, Dr Bentley'BiMS. J.?r, 



123 

town to compose a new catechism for the use and 
instruction of their children. This was undertaken 
at their request, and printed at their expence 1657. 
by Samuel Green, Cambridge. It is styled tho 
" Watering of the Plant in Christ's garden, or a 
short catechism tor the entrance of our Chelmsford 
children. Enlarged by a three fold appendix." 

It is dedicated " to the church and congrega- 
tion at Chelmsford ;" and appears from the following 
introductory remarks to have been written wholly 
for them. 

" Beloved, what is here presented to public view 
is yours. For looking to the poor penman, as re- 
lating to you ; to the external moving cause as ris- 
ing firstly and freely from you ; to the end and use. 
as centering in you ; to the reason of the publishing 
hereof as resting with you ; and to the care and 
costs as to that end expended by you ; it must not 
otherwise be determined,than to be yours." "Which 
being so, you have saved me the labor of prefacing on 
behalf either of this so necessary and fruitful an ex- 
ercise of catechising, or of this present draught, or 
of publishing it. The present encumbrances of our 
new beginning, you know to have declined me till of 
late from writing, and my own inabilities much 
more from publishing, being rather desirous of mak- 
ing use of some others' labors that way, or at least 
of acting my own feeble apprehensions in a more 
private manner among ourselves. But God hath 
moved your minds first to see, and seeing to cause, 
that it must be as it is." 

This catechism is plain, adapted to the capacities 
of small children, and almost wholly of a practical 
nature. The three fold appendix was designed for 
youth of maturer years, in order to instruct and pre- 
pare them to discharge the duties of prayer, ob- 
servance of the ordinances of the gospel, and oj uni« 



1124 

versal obedience. This little work is moderate iii 
its doctrines, catholic in its spirit,and well suited, as it 
was designed, to water the Olive plants in Christs* 
garden. 

Mr. Fiske, though deprived of ' several hundreds of 
pounds of his wife's patrimony upon the displeasure of 
her father at her going to America,' c and though he 
consumed his own fair estate to promote new settle- 
ments ;' yet found means to give hisyoungest son a 
collegiate education. He was graduated at Harvard 
College, Cambridge, lb62, and was ordained after- 
ward over the church and society inBraintree. 

To the many trials and afflictions, ihat had exer- 
cised Mr Fiske, a new and unexperienced calamity 
was added by the death of his wife. Endeared 
hy 43 years experience of mutual care and toil, com- 
panions through a great sight of afflictions, and knit 
together, by the strongest ties of vital piety, the 
separtion was painful, and inflicted a deep wound in 
the heart of the survivor; though not above the pow- 
er of religion to heal. She by her incomparable ex- 
pertness in the scriptures had rendered any other 
concordance of the Bible in his library useless. Some 
years before her death she lost her sight. ' Under 
this disaster she exhibited a most exemplary pa- 
tience by her view ol the things, which are not seen, 
and are eternal. " Alter many admonitions to her 
friends to improve their sight well, whilst they had 
it ; on the 14th Feb. 1671 she had her eyes opened 
by their being closed, and was by death carried from 
faith to immediate and everlasting sight." 

Divine providence had just before removed Mr. 
Edmund Hinchman,* the countryman and tried friend 
ot Mr. Fiske, who had followed him from England 
to America,and for many years hadresided inChelms- 
ford, and Mr. Fiske, to cheer the remainder of his 
earthly pi!grimage,took his widow, Elizabeth Hinch° 

*Died 1669. 



125 

man for his companion, in 1672. But this connection 
was short. The time approached that he must die. 

He began to labor under two maladies, either of 
which was enough to try the most consummate pa<? 
tience of* any man living. These were the stone 
and the gout, which at last were followed by convul- 
sions, that brought his laborious life to end an ; and 
gave him the experience of Streithurgerus' motto; 
quinonest crucianus, non est Qhristianus. i. e. who is 
not crucified is not a christian. For a complication 
of diseases his case became not unlike the blessed 
Calvin's, of whom the historian relates, that he was 
troubled with as many infirmities, as in different sub- 
jects might have supplied an hospital. 

a On the second Lord's day of his confinement by 
illness,after he had been many Lord's day's carried to 
church in a chair,and preached as in primitive times, 
sitting, he was taken with convulsions, which renews 
ed so fast upon him, that they carried him off within 
a few days. On January 1 4, 1676 he saw a rest 
from his labors ; having first after this manner bles- 
sed his four children, two sons and two daughters, 
" You are as a shock of corn bound up, or as twins, 
made beautiful by the covenant of grace. You have 
an interest in the sure mercies of David. These yon 
have to live upon. Study to emulate one another, 
but in ihe best - in the best : Provoke one another 
to love. The God of your forefathers bless you all. 
And added to his vounger son, the worthy pastor 
of Braintree, concerning his wife and two children, 
then absent, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob 
bless you and your posterity after you" " And 
when he had thus said, he fell asleep." Like Isra 
el in Egypt, this venerable patriarch of New-Eng- 
land died in a foreign land with benedictions upon 
his posterity, which like Israel's were emii.ently 
fulfilled. His descendants for four generations, were 
eminent for their piety and virtue. The late Gene- 



lib 

ral Fiske ofSalem was the fourth of the name of 
John and the great grandson of the first minister of 
Chelmsford. " He appears to have been a model 
of merit, and the more deserving of praise as his 
good works were performed in the still walks of 
private life." Jefferson. 

Mr. Fiske, both as a faithful minister, a liberal 
patron of the poor inhabitants of the town, and an 
encourager and comforter of the first settlers under 
their various sufferings, deserves the grateful re- 
membrance of their posterity. To the sacred spot, 
where sleep his nameless remains and 'angels watch 
his soft repose,' let the present and future genera- 
tions repair, and in thankful remembrance of his 
virtues, resolve that his God shall be their God for- 
ever and ever. 

" Twenty years did he shine in the golden candle- 
stick of Chelmsford. He was a plain, able, and use- 
ful preacher of the gospel ; rarely if ever, hindered 
by sickness from the exercise of his ministry. Though 
he went through an exposition of almost all the scrip- 
tures in both Testaments, and to his Lord's day 
Sermons added a monthly lecture on the week day, 
besides his discourses at the private meetings of the 
faithful and his exact and faithful cares to keep up 
church discipline; yet none of his labors were more 
considerable, than his catechetical. And though he 
did himself compose and publish a most useful cat- 
echism, yet for his public expositions he chose the 
assembly's catechism, which he twice went over in 
discourses before his afternoon sermons on the Sab- 
bath. 

We will now leave him uttering the words of 
Weinrichius in his Epitaph. 

1 Vixi, et quem dederas cursum mihi, Christe peregi ; perteesus 
vitse, suaviter opto mori ; 

I have lived and finished the work, which thou, my saviour, didst give 
me. Satisfied with life, let me depart in peace. 

Mr, Fifke, had 4 children, two sons and two daughters.— John, Mose>» 



127 



The Rev. Thomas Clark. 



HOWEVER commendable the attempt to snatch 
from oblivion a worthy character, and trans- 
mit to posterity the knowledge of those virtues, 
which once rendered their possessor the delight and 
ornament of his day, we dare not cherish the hope 
of being able to bring back from the long lapse of 
time the characteristic features of the subject of 
this memoir. We have neither church records, man- 
uscript sermons, cotemporary notices, nor any other 
materials, from which any thing, but a bare memen- 
to can be erected, excepting the following notice in 
the 9th vol. of the Hist.Coll. of Mass. page 195. Dor- 
chester, 1704,Dec. 10. The death of the tfev.Thomas 
Clark ofChelmford was lamented in a Sermon from 
Acts 20 — 25 &c. " A great loss to all our towns, 
and especially to the frontier towns on that side of 
the country, who are greatly awakened with the loss 
of such a man." Fairfield's MS. Journal. 

He was born in Boston about the year 1652, 
graduated at Harvard University, Cambridge, 1 670 ? 
and was ordained to the pastoral office in Chelms- 
ford, 1677 He received the unanimous suffrage of 
the inhabitants of Chelmsford to become their Olin- 
Anne, the name of the other daughter }s not known. John lived with 
his father in Chelmsford. He appears to have been a very useful and 
respectable man. We find him often employed in the public transactions 
and affairs of the town. In 1666, he married Lydia Fletcher, daughter 
of the first William Fletcher. He died about the year 1700, without 
children. His estate in Chelmsford, descended to his brother Moses, of 
Braintree, whose children as executors of their father's will, sold it in 
1708, to Rev. Mr. Stoddard, for JS130. Mr. Stoddard's children, sold it 
to Rev. Mr. Bridge, whose eldest son, the late General Ebenezer Bridge, 
possest and improved it, till his decease. It has been in the successiv.; 
possession of three of the ministers of Chelmsford. 

Moses Fiske, graduated, at Cambridge 1662, and settled in the Ministry 
at Braintree. His son Samuel, graduated 1708, and settled in Salem. — 
He was the father of the late Gen. Fiske. Ann Fiske, married to John 
Brown, of Reading. Neither tho name, nor fortune of the other'dftughter 
H known, 



128 

istcr. We might perhaps from Um circumstance 
infer his acceptableness as a man and minister to this 
people. 

His wife, Mrs. Mary Clark, died Dec. 2, 1 700. In 
1702, Oct. 2d. he was again married to Miss Eliza- 
beth Whiting, of Billerica, daughter of Rev. Samuel 
Whiting, who survived him many years. 

He lived in a period distinguished by no remarka- 
ble changes in the political or pecuniary cirsumstan- 
ces of the country. This with the consideration that 
his original salary was a more ample support than 
either his predecessor or successors have enjoyed, 
accounts for the singular fact,that he never requested 
but one favor of the town during his ministry. * None 
of his writings have been preserved. Almost the 
only monumentf of his pastexistence,that has surviv- 
ed the ravages of time is his tomb-stone. 

This has a modest, and to this day quite legible 
inscription in latin of the following i:nport. 

"The lemains of the Re v. Thomas Clark, the faith- 
ful Pastor of the flock of Christ in Chelmsford are 
here committed to the dust. In the laith and hope 
of a blessed resurrection he breathed his soul into 
the bosom of Jesus, Dec. 7, 1704, in the 52 year of 
his age" and 27 of his ministry.^ 

*This was a piece of land of about 10 acres, lying on Beaver Brook. 

IHis great grandson, Dea. Thomas Clark of Tewksbury,has in his poe- 
seision the staff, with which he used to walk, which has this inscription. 
,k Thomas Clark, 1686." 

ORIGINAL. 

Memento mori. Fugithors. 

Huic pulveri mandate sunt 

Reliquae Rev Dora. Thorn Clark 

Gregis Christi Chelmsfordianae 

Pastoris eximii ; qui fide et spe 

Beats; resurrectionis animam 

in sinnm Jesus expiravit, die Vll Decembris 

Anno Domini 1704, a3latis suae 52. 

jHis place of residence was that now in the possession of Mrs. Grace 
Fletcher, widow of the late Oliver Fletcher, Esq. 

His wife, Mrs. Mary Clark died Dec. 2, 1700. Their children were 
Jonas, Thomas, Elizabeth, and Lucy. Lucy married Maj. Wm. Tyng of 



129 
The Rev. Samson Stoddard. 

THE third minister of Chelmsford, was Samsoo 
Stoddard, of Boston. He received the honors of 
the University at Cambridge 1701. From this 
time, to his call to settle in the ministry in Chelms- 
ford, his history is totally unknown. 

On the 27th June, 1706, he received a unanimous 
invitation to become the pastor of the church and 
society in this place ; and on the 25th of the following 
July, was consecrated to the pastoral office. 

His first marriage was in 1708, but the name of 
his wife is not known. He married again in 1727, 
to Mrs. Margaret Halkertson, of Boston, with whom 
he lived about 13 years. She survived him about 
40 years, dying March 27, 1789, aged 79. 

Dunstable, son of Col. Jona. Tyng, and Father of the late Hon John 
Tyng, Sept. 19, 1700. She died April 25, 1708, Her husband, Maj. 
"Wm. Tyng, was wounded by the Indians between Groton and Lancas- 
ter, was carried to Concord, and died Aug. 16, 1710. and was there bu- 
ried. Family Records. 

Elizabeth Clark married Mr. John Hancock of West Cambridge. 

Thomas Clark was born Sept. 28, 1694 

Jonas, the oldest son was born Dec. 2, 1684. He resided in Chelm«- 
ibrd on the farm now known by the name of the Cragie farm. There 
he kept a public house near the ferry, that has ever since borne his 
name. His house was the general jesort for all fashionable people in 
these parts. He was honored with various civil and military offices ; 
was a very popular man and esteemed a very good christian. " He 
was honored in his day, and was the glory of his times." He closed & 
Jong and useful life April 8, l"/70, aged 86. 

His last and highest military office was Col. commandant of the 2d. 
Regiment of Middlesex Militia. His descendants are now liviag in 
Tc-wksbury. 

Rev. Thomas Clark had other children, who did not arrive to mature 
age. 

The following Receipt is preserved as a memorial of the manner of 
procuring the monuments, erected at the grave of the Rev. Mr. Clark 
and of the price of them, and of similar works, at the begiuning of the 
eighteenth century. 

Chelmsford, V7A Jfav. 1708. 
Received of Mr. William Fletcher the sum ol fifty shillings in money 
to be bestowed for a monument over the grave of the Rev Mr. Thomas 
Clark lat« of Chelmsford deceased ; it being the donations of sundry 
persons in Chelmsford, for that us*. 1 say received by me 

JOHN HANCOCK. 



130 

From some remnants of his manuscript sermons,, 
with which the writer has been favored by the kind- 
ness of a friend,* it appears that his sermons were 
constructed after the models of the old divines, ol 
the sixteenth century; but executed in a happier 
manner. His style is neat and perspicuous. His 
sentences short, and the members well disposed. — 
Of which the following extract from one of his ser- 
mons, is subjoined as an illustration. 

"Use. ' Will all those, that persevere to the end 
4 of their lives in well doing, inherit the kingdom of 
4 God ? Hence then be exhorted not to be under 
' the influence of a private and selfish soirit. 

4 it is one note of the last and perilous times, 
4 that men shall be lovers of their own selves, 2 
i Tim. 3, 2. There is a regular self love, that 'will 
'calculate all its designs to the public good ; but a 
' vicious self-love will calculate only to private inter- 
ests. Nothing can afford a more auspicious omen 
4 than a public spirit, influencing all degrees and or- 
4 ders of persons- ; andnothngcan give a people a 
4 blacker prospect than to see them under the domin- 
4 ion of a private and selfish spirit. A private spirit 
4 will check all noble and generous designs for 
4 the public. The question will be not what 
4 will promote the general prosperity ; but what will 
4 serve best this or that sinister design. A selfish 
4 spirit prevailing in a town will prove the grand in- 
cendiary of the place ! and the fruitful parent of 
4 injustice, violence and fraud. When this spirit 
4 prevails among a people, they will make merchan- 
dize of the gospel and regard more the advance- 
4 ment of their own worldly interest, than the pro- 
4 motion of religion and their own spiritual interests 
4 and concerns." 

His health was naturallv delicate, and his habitt 
sedentary. His constitutional temperament strongly 
inclined him to a recluse life, and a repression of 

Mr. John Farmer of Amherst N. H. 



131 



.drit. But the imperious calls of parochial duty 
V ministerial intercourse corrected m some degree 
, e infelicities ot nature and habit, and suppressed 
awhile the rising tide that at last overwhelmed him. 
A necessary expenditure in his lamily, which his 
resources could not meet, the mortification and per- 
plexity of teaching the town school in w3o and, 
added to his constitutional infirmities a weigh 
which overcome his fortitude, and impaired his 
health. He became unable for the most part ft* 
ring the three last years of his life to discharge the 
duL of Ins sacred office. The town afforded hm 
some pecuniary assistance by contributions and at the 
same imc supplied Ins desk. He occasionally preach- 
eu, but discovered all the symptoms oi a diddered 
and unhappy mind The las! discourse he delivered 
£ p 3fi wL from the first of Cormthians, ninth 
chLter and twenty seventh verse. < But 1 keep un- 
der my body and bring it into subjection, les by -any 
means when! have preached to others,l myself should 
be a castaway.' He was a plain, practical preachei, 
and a faithful and able minister ot the new Tes a- 
ment. He fell a prey to his corporeal and men al 
disorders, Aug. 23, 1740, m the 34th year ox hi, min- 
istry and about the 60th ot his age. 

The manner and circumstances of his death spread 
a cloud over his future prospects, through which 
surviving friends are unable to penetrate 1 he ris- 
ing tide of grief, occasioned by such melancholy in- 
stances of mortality, finds relief only by resorting to 
human ignorance of final causes and to divine love 
and mercy through the Redeemer. . 

With this sentiment we would soothe our anguish 
and the grief of posterity at the premature grave ot 
the unfortunate^ Stoddard. With this sentiment, 
clothed in the poetic garb of Gray, we would sup- 
press the rising enquiry and troubled thoughts when 



132 

ever memory recalls to the contemplation of virtue^ 
and misfortunes like his. 

For who to dumb oblivion a prey, 

This pleasing, anxious being e'er resign'd ; 

Left the warm precincts of the cheerful day, 

Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind 2 

No farther seek his merits to disclose 

Or draw his frailties from their dread abode, 

There they alike in trembling hope repose, 

The bosom of his Father and his God ! 

Rev. Mr. Stoddard had 9 children. Samson, Elizabeth, "William, Ben= 
jamin, Margaret, Rebecca, Sarah, John, Mary. Elizabeth, bom L)ec. 14, 
1710, was married to Mr. Waterhouse of Boston. She died a widow in 
Chelmsford, Aug. 25, 1775, aged 64. William, born May 4, 1712, died 
1742. Benjamin, born Dec. 28, 1713. Rebecca born Nov. 4, 1716, mar- 
ried Wm. White, merchant of Boston. Sarah, born Sept. 21, 1718, was 
married to Rev. EbenV Bridge, Oct. 1741, died April 9. 17JA af:ed65. 
John, bom Nov 1721, died young. Mary, born June 19, 1723, died at 
"Westford, of a fever, April 3, 1759, brought to Chelmsford and buried 

there. Margaret born 1725, was married in 1776 to Rev. Samuel 

Hopkins of Hadley. 

Samson, the oldest son was born May 1, 1709. Graduated at Har- 
vard College,Cambridge. 1730. He studied divinity and began to preach, 
but for some reason unknown at this time he relinquished divinity and 
turned his attention to trade and agriculture. He opened a store of En- 
glish and West-ftidia goods, and traded largely for many years in Chelms- 
ford. He entered into the land speculation in Vermont,and became pos- 
sessor of a large tract,which with other lands adjoining was erected into a 
township and called Stoddard. He obtained a justice's commission and 
the command of the 2d. Regiment in Middlesex county. He took an 
honorable part in the affairs of the church and town for many years, and 
was honored with the suffrages of the people for sundry offices in town, 
and for a representative to the General Court, and delegate to sundry 
special congresses for obtaining redress of grievances under which the 
colony labored before the revolutionary war commenced. He was a pro- 
fessed christian, and, as ought always to be expected in such a case, a 
public spirited townsman, and a man of pure morals. 

At the commencement of the revolutionary war, he was suspected of 
indifference to the cause of the revolution, or of favoring its enemies. He 
therefore fell under the displeasure of the people, who according to the 
spirit of the times treated him with some indignity, from which he never 
fully recovered. Whither he really did favor the cause of Great Britain 
or not, seems not to be clearly ascertained. But his best friends censr.r 
sd him for withholding a full exposition of his sentiments. 



133 
The Rev. Mr. Bridge. 

THE period, at which the subject of this big* 
graphical sketch lived, was the most difficult and 
trying for clergymen, of any half century since the 
settlement of this country. 

Mr. Bridge, was born in Boston, 1714. He was 
educated at Harvard University ,Cambridge ; whence 

he proceeded A. B. 1736, at the age of i7 years. 

He spent the next year after he left the university, 
at Plymouth, in instructing the grammar school' 
where he was much respected and beloved by his 
pupils.* 

He pursued his theological studies under the di- 
rection of the Rev. Wm. Welstead, who was his 
guide in youth, and constant counsellor in riper 
years. 

He received a unanimous call to settle in the min- 
istry, at Chelmsford, Dec. 30, 1740. His answer to 
the invitation of the church and town, to the pastor- 
al office, will exhibit a fair specimen of his compo- 
sition, and at the same time develope his views and 
feelings on this solemn occasion. 

" Inasmuch as you have unanimously elected me, 
to settle in the work of the gospel ministry among 
you — I now declare my compliance with your 
call, and as 1 trust the call of divine providence to 
me herein, and my acceptance of your offers for my 
support and comfort among you ; expecting that you 
make me pay quarterly in my yearly salary, for my 
convenience, and relying on your goodness and Gen- 
erosity, that as you see my necessity hereafter in, 
creasing, so you will never be backward in your as- 
sistance, which if you are duly mindful of them, will 
by the blessing of God, abundantly enable me to go 
♦See memoir of School-mastere, in PJvmoulL, His. Co] to). 4, 



134 

on in his and your service with cheerfulness and de- 
light. I choose to take this opportunity to express 
my delight and satisfaction in the peace, love and 
harmony, subsisting among you, which has greatly 
engaged me to you. And I earnestly entreat each 
of you, that you do in your respective places, en- 
deavor still to maintain and preserve it aaiongyou, 
as it will be one means of rendering me serviceable 
to you by the blessing of the God of love and peace. 
"One thing 1 beseech of you, that you would at 
all times, when surrounding the throne of grace, for 
the supply of your own wants, bear me on your 
minds, and pray to the God and Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, that I might be filled with the gifts and 
graces of his good spirit ; that I might be thoroughly 
furnished to every good word and work ; that I 
might be faithful in his service unto death ; and that 
you might by his grace be my crown of rejoicing in 
the day of the Lord. And be assured that so long 
as God shall continue me in your service, I shall, 
relying on his gracious assistance, lay myself out to 
serve you and yours in the gospel of his dear Son. 
February 26, 1741. 

Mr. Bridge, was ordained May 20, 1741 ;* and in 
the following Oct. married to Miss Sarah Stoddard, 
third daughter of the Rev. Samson Stoddard. 

His stature was large and commanding, his man- 
ners grave and dignified. He possessed great social 
powers and was a communicative friend and pleas- 
ant companion ; yet such was his sense of the sa- 
credness of his office, of the reverence and submis- 
sion due to the ministerial character and authority, 
that he seemed rather to awe the common mind by 
the majesty, than allure it by the loveliness of virtue 

* The Rev. Mr. Parker, of Dracut, made the introductory praye r .— 
Rev. Wm. Welstead, of the North Church, Boston, preached from 1 I inpl 
4-6 l A good minister of Jesus Christ.' The Rev. Mr. Haocock, of 1 ea 
ington, gave the charge, and the Rev. Mr. Baxter the fellowship of the 
churches. 



135 

a»d piety. As the head of a family, he was strict and 
rigid in exacting obedience and conformity .to estab- 
lished regulations. As a parent, affectionate and 
indulgent. 

His passions were strong and quick, which mark- 
ed his character with energy, decision and reli- 
gious ardor. The infelicities of nature however he 
turned to a good account by making them subserve 
the high purposes of virtuous activity and religious 
fidelity and zeat in the service of his Divine Master. 

In the pulpit he was animated and solemn, and 
by his clear, sonorous voice and distinct pronuncia- 
tion delighted the ear and commanded the attention 
of his hearers. He may be ranked among the hap- 
py few, who on a sudden emergency or special oc- 
casion, discover an admirable facility in selecting and 
arranging ideas, putting them in a dress, and deliv- 
ering them in a manner appropriate to the feelings, 
which the occasion excites. 

His rank among the minister's of his day may be 
ascertained by the public honors conferred upon him 
in being appointed to preach the Artillery Election 
sermon in 1752, June 1 ; and the general Election 
sermon May 27, 1767. These sermons are in print, 
and do equal honor to his understanding and heart, 
patriotism and piety. The former discourse is 
founded on the I Oth. ch. of Acts, and 1, and 2 verses. 
1 Cornelius, a Centurion of the Band, called the Ital- 
ian Band, a devout man and one that feared God 
With all his house.' The drift of this discourse is 
to shew the consistency of military life with the 
profession and practice of Christianity. The latter 
sermon is from Deut. 33 — 29. ' Happy art thou, 
O Israel, who is like unto thee, O people saved by 
the Lord,the shield of thy help, and who is the sword 
of thy excellency !' This is a very long and a very 
loyal sermon. It contains man) just remarks upon 



136 

governments and laws,and many "useful hints to rulers. 
It is replete with sentiments of attachment to the 
mother country and of devout congratulations for 
the civil and religious liberty and growing prosperity 
of the colonies. These are the only discourses, that 
are published. He was often solicited ; but he al- 
ways refused to give publicity to those occasional 
discourses, which were thought by his hearers to pos-> 
sess peculiar merit. 

As a writer he was deficient in some of those qual- 
ities which constitute excellence. His style was neg- 
ligent and diffuse, his sentences long and ill-con- 
structed. Sermons written in a familiar conversa- 
tion style, are often heard with a pleasure and prof- 
it which they seldom afford on reading. We have 
the testimony of living witnesses, that he was an ac- 
ceptable, animated and searching preacher, and a 
faithful minister of the New Testament. His creed 
partook of the orthodoxy of the day, and paradox- 
ical as it may seem, he was a strenuous advocate for 
liberty of conscience and the rights of private judg- 
ment, and a bitter enemy to sectarians of every de- 
nomination — But his strongest aversions were a- 
gainst the Hopkinsians, with whom he had no inter- 
course, and whom he could hardly treat with civili- 
ty. 

His virtues were put to the severest test by the 
Whitfieldean spirit, that pervaded the country and 
interrupted the peace and order of the churches. 
Long and difficult was the work of devising and a- 
dooting a uniform system of church government and 
discipline. This work had just been accomplished 
by the wisdom and perseverance of the Fathers of 
the New-England churches, which had enjoyed but 
a short peace ; when a host of mushroom exhorters 
and lay preachers, who owed their origin to Mr. 
Whitfield, sprung up and made inroads upon the 
peace and order of christian societies and churches 



137 

It is far from the intention of the writer to impeach 
the character, or call in question the motives of this 
eminent saint. His conduct in itinerating and preach- 
ing through a country, mostly formed into regular 
churches and societies, and furnished with stated 
pastors, is justly censurable, as contrary to the rules 
of the gospel, and subversive of the civil and reli- 
gious peace of society, and of the order and edifica- 
tion of the churches. 

From his example, powerful eloquence, and in- 
flammatory zeal many settled ministers were induced 
to play the Bishop in another's diocess ; and many 
illiterate persons to assume the office of itinerating 
preachers. By persons of this description many 
members 01 this church were seduced and beguiled 
from the simplicity and order of the gospel, to the 
srreat <rrief of their brethren and of their stated pas- 
tor. At one time we find no less than fifteen per- 
sons called before the church to answer to the 
charge of disorderly conduct and violation of cove- 
nant engagements in going after vagrant preachers 
and lay exhorters. To deal with such persons so as 
to convert them from the error of their ways was a 
most difficult task, and required both patience, meek- 
ness, and wisdom. In several trials of this sort the vir- 
tues of Mr. Bridge shone conspicuously and triumphed 
over his enemies. During his ministry the church was 
frequently called to exercise its authority in disci- 
plining its irregular members, and it rarely exerted 
it without the designed effect. 

Much truth as well as keen satire is contained in 
lais reply to the request of sundry persons to be dis- 
missed from this church in order to unite with oth- 
ers in forming a church in Carlisle. Twenty years, 
said he, have I been grieved with that generation. 
* I give my most hearty consent to their dism;ssi<>n :' 

The time of bis ministry was a very difficult and 

,s 



13a 

trying one. in a pecuniary point of. view. So great 
and sudden were the depreciations of money, and 
so oppressive the burden of maintaining the revolu- 
tionary war, and so many and great the embarrass- 
ments lying upon the people after the attainment of 
their independence, that it is difficult to conceive of 
the straits to which the clergy were reduced. 
Though the people were attentive to his wants and 
indulgent to his requests, yet considerable time must 
have necessarily elapsed before depreciations could 
be made up and necessary supplies granted.* 

In the commencement of the war with G.Britain and 
until the republication of Hutchinson's Letters in 
this country, he was a decided friend of the cause 
and interest of Great Britain. But after the perusal 
of these letters, he changed his opinion, and was ev- 
er after one of the most ardent supporters of the 
independence and liberties of the colonies ; and his 
exertions greatly contributed to the union, zeal 
and patriotism of the inhabitants of the town. 

In 1783, April, 9, he was called in divine provi- 
dence to the painful L: reavement of his consort. 
She died in the 64 th year oi' her age, after having 
accompanied him 4 ! years in his pilgrimage, and 
partaken with him the afflictions and consolations of 
the gospel. 

In 179i he married Mrs. Joanna Abbot relict of 
Dr. Nehemiah Abbot, who survived him several 

* A Soliloquy of a Country Parson, meditating upon his c?V- 
cumstances, at the present day — 1778.— [Found among hif 

papers, after his decease.] 

In short I do see it, I'm in terrible taking 
My hen* 1 'tis distracted, my heart is quite aching 
The view of my case makes me greatly to shudder 
I'm tost here and there, like a ship without rudder 
Opprest by misfortunes, neglected by friends, 
By most men forsaken, who setk their own ends, 
1 look all around me and a*k myself whether, 
1 can find bread, or meal, corn or .-hoe- leather ; 
I protest on my word, if one would believe me, 
i know not of one. who's inclined to relieve me. 



13» 

year*. From this time his health and strength 
gradually failed. lie continued however to preach 
with little interruption till a tew weeks before his 
death, though with all the mental and corporeal de- 
bility, incident to advanced age. After a long and 
useful ministry he was called to give an account of 
his stewardship Oct. 1, 1792. The church erected 
a monument to his memory with the following aj> 
propriatc Inscription : — 

By the Church of Christ 
In CHELMSFORD. 

In testimony of their esteem and veneration 

This scpultrial stone was erected, to stand 

as a sacred memorial of their late worthy Pastor 

The Rev. Ebnezer Bridge, 

who after having officiated among them 

in the service of the Sanctuary 

for more than a year above half a century, 

the strength of nature being exhausted, 

sunk under the burden of age 
and Joined the congregation of the dead, 

Oct. 1, 1792, JE. 78. 

The children of Rev. Ebenezer Bridge were, Sarah, born July 25, 1742, 
married (o Rev. Henry dimming-?, D. D. of Billerica. Ebenezer, born 

April 29 .744. John, horn Feb. 2.1746, Elizabeth, 1747, died in in- 

fai; v. .Mary, Nov. 10, 1750, married 1o Mr. Timothy Winn of Wobqrn, 
now'Burlington. William, Jan. 14, 1758, now living in town. {Catherine, 
Feb 23, 1755, died in infancy Lucreli a, March 13, 1757, married to Dr. 
Walter Hastings, April 10, 1777. 

Ebenezer. the oldest son received the honors of the University at Cam- 
bridge in 1764. Soon alter leaving College he went to Worcester, 
where he spent a year or more in teaching a public shool. He 
then removed to Billerica and opened a store of E. and W. I. Goods. In 
1775 he was chosen Col. of the 27th Reg. of minute men, which he com. 
manded at the celebrated battle on Bunker's Hill, in which he received 
two slight wounds In 1776 or 7 he was chosen Register of deeds of 
the county of Middlesex. From 1781 to 1800 he was chosen s.ucce.'»ive- 
ly a senator in the Legislature of Massachusetts, and from 1783 to 1U08 
county treasurer. In 1785 he married the Widow ol Dr. Mumfurd, of 
Boston, who died 1787, Sept, 29, 

He was a faithful guardian ol the rights and liberties of his country, 
and a zealous promoter of the interest and welfare of his native tow n. 
His numerous friends and acquaintances always found a cordial welcome 
*»d hospitable retreat at his house. He was respected abroad as a correct 

52 



140 



OF THE PAWTUCKETT TRIBE 

OF INDIANS. 



THE early history of Chelmsford, is so blended 
with that of its aboriginals, that the former can 
hardly be intelligible without the latter. 

The most correct and authentic source of informa- 
tion, is Gookin's Historical Collections of the Indians 
of New- England.* 

He divides them into five great tribes, viz : — Pe- 
quots, Narragansetts, Pawkunnawkutts, Massachu- 
setts and Pawtucketts. The latter he thus de- 
scribes. 

*< Pawtuckett is the fifth and last great sachemship 
of Indians. Their country lieth north and north 
east from the Massachusetts. Their dominion 
reacheth so far as the English jurisdiction doth now 
extend/!* They have under them several smaller 
sagamores, as those of the Pennakooks, Agawames, 

politician, and an enlightened, tried patriot, and esteemed at home for hrs 
public services and private virtues. 

He died at Hardwick, IN. York after a long and lingering sickness, 
Feb. 9, 1814, as;ed 70 

N. B. JohuFiske, Jonas Clark, Samson Stoddard and Eben'r Bridge 
were the oldest, sons of their respective fathers, who were the four first 
Ministers of Chelmsford. Excepting the first, they succeeded to the 
same honors and offices, or nearly so. The three last were Justices of 
the peace, members of the Legislature, and commanders of regiments. 
All four were active, useful men, and leading characters in town. 

M I'liey were honored in their generation and the glory of thei' - times."' 

♦General Gookin, was appointed Magistrate and Ruler over the pray- 
intr Indians, in 1656. His history was written about 1674, after many 
years fa miliar intercourse with them. 

T rhis included the whole state of New-Hampshire. 'The Massachu- 
setts tribe, inhabited principally about Massachusetts bay. Their chief 
Sasjamore. had under him, many petty sachems, as those of W'achagoskas, 
Neponsit, Punkapaog, Nonontum, Nashaway and some of the Nipmuck 
people. The t'awtucketts inhabited on their north and north east limits. ' 

Gookin, 



141 

K:\amkeeks, Pnscatawayes, Accomitas and others.- 
They were a considerable people heretofore, and 
held amity with the Massachusetts. They were 
almost totally destroyed by the great sickness in 
4612 and 1613.* At this day 1674, there are not 
above two hundred and fifty men, besides women 
and children." 

"All the scattering tribes on Piscataqua and Mer- 
rimack rivers, were originally but one great nation, 
acknowledging subjection to Passaconnaway, the 
great Sagamoret of Pennacook.' These all took 
the national name of Pawtucketts. ■'$ 

It was customary to call those of the same nation 
or tribe, by the different names of the villages, at 
which they resided. Inattention to this circum- 
stance has introduced great uncertainty and confu- 
sion into those transactions of the town, which rela- 
ted to the Indians in Wamesit and Pawtuckett. — 
They belonged to the same tribe, and living so near 
together, constituted but one village. They are 
sometimes called Pawtucketts, more commonly Wa- 
mesits. 

It was a favorite object with the first adventurers 
and of many of their patrons in England, to christian- 
ize and civilize the Indians in New-England. The 
government of Massachusetts, early entered into 

""What this disease was that so generally and mortally swept away 
these and other Indians, in New-England, I cannot well learn. Doubt- 
less it wa* some pestilential disease. I have discoursed with some old 
Indians, that were then youths, who say, that their bodies all over, were 
exceeding yellow, before and after they died, describing it by a yellow 
garment, they shewed me." Gookin. 

It was considered by the people at that day, as a divine opening for 
the settlement of the English. 

t At every noted place for fishing and hunting, there used to be about 
an hundred or two hundred, who had a sagamore oyer them. In every 
great tribe there was a sagamore, to whom all the tribe acknowledged 
subjection. The lesser Sagamores were called sachems.— Hubbard's Hit. 
Ne-w- England. 

% (his name is probably derived from the falls of the same name, a- 
bout which the great body cf the tribe resided at an early period of their 
history, and at the bottom of which was Wamesit, their ancient capital, 
at the confluence of Concord and Merrimack rivere.. 



142 

iheir views and labored to effectuate these desira- 
ble ends. Hence the praying Indians, or those Avho 
hopefully received the Gospel, are presented to us 
in a more conspicuous light, and their history has be- 
come peculiarly interesting. Wamesit was not on- 
ly the ancient seat and • capital' of the Pawtuckett 
tribe, but also of the praying Indians on Merrimack 
river ; the history of whom will necessarily involve 
a sketch of the plan adopted by government, to 
bring them into a state of civil society, while they 
■were acquiring the knowledge of the principles and 
duties of Christianity. 

Mr. Eliot, minister of Roxbury, justly styled the 
^Apostle to the Indians," began to preach to those 
in his vicinity in lb46 ; and by his influence with the 
Court measures were adopted in lt>5b, for govern- 
ing and instructing them. 

* At Mr. Eliot's motion, care was taken by the 
court to appoint some of the most prudent and pious 
Indians in every Indian village that had received the 
gospel, to be rulers and magistrates among them, to 
order their affairs, both civil and criminal of a more 
ordinary and inferior nature. These rulers were 
chosen by themselves, but approved by higher au* 
thority.' This authority was vested in an JLnglish 
magistrate, who was to join with the chief of 
their rulers, in holding a higher court among them.- 
The English magistrate appointed the time and 
place of holding court, and consented to judgement. 
Each village had one or more constables, chosen 
yearly. There was also a marshal general, over the 
praying towns, called Capt. Josias, alias,Pennahannit, 
whose residence was at JNashobah, now Littleton. 

To carry their design into effect the court farther 
enacted, 1. That the Indians had an original title to 
the land. — Gen. 1-28— ch. ix.— I. Ps. i 15— *6. 

2. That the civil Indians should have lands grant- 
ed them for towns. 3d. That the Indians should 



143 

not be dispossessed of what land they had subdued, 
or driven from their fishing places. 4th. That none 
(ghould buy land of the Indians without leave of 
Court. 5th* That all strong liquors should be pro- 
hibited to be sold or given to the Indians, unless in 
case of sickness and that by permission. The En- 
glish magistrate was empowered to make, order 
and give instructions, backed with penalties, for 
promoting the practice of morality, civility, indus- 
try, and diligence in their callings ; also to make and 
execute good orders for keeping holy the Sabbath 
day, that people attend public worship, that schools 
be set up, and continued for the education of youth, 
and that Indian teachers and rulers have small en- 
couragement distributed among them. 

At what time the Indians at Wamesit received f he 
gospel is not now known. But it must have been prior 
to 1653. For we find Mr. Eliot this year passing sev- 
eral 'ays at Pawtuckett ; and when the grantees of 
Chelmsford petitioned for the same, Mr. Eliot 
in behalf of the Indians requested an appropriation 
of certain lands , included in the forme*- pet.tion, to 
the sole use of the praying Indians at Wamesit. 
The court's committee taking into consideration 
both petitions reported in favor of an appropriation 
or grant of land to both parties. 

In 1652 sundry persons from Woburn and Con- 
cord obtained leave to examine the tract of land, 
now constituting Chelmsford, and finding many In- 
dians upon it, who had improved and cultivated cer- 
tain pieces of land, especially a part of Robin's 
hill ;; they thought it just and meet to pay them 
for their improvements ; or to make some compro- 
mise, or enter into some agreement with them con- 
cerning it. Mr. Eliot, whose knowledge of the In- 
dian language and previous acquaintance with them 
as a preacher qualified him for a negociator, was em- 
ployed for this purpose. Through his agency with 



144 

them, and at Court an exchange of the land under 
improvement on Robin's Hill tor an equal quantity 
under similar improvement at a place to be desig- 
nated by the Indians within theii grant, was agreed 
on and ordered by the court. 

Robin's hill was so called when the English first 
visited this place, and is said by tradition to have re- 
ceived its name from its first cultivator, who was it 
js apprehended Old Robin, or some one of the Rob- 
in family from Pennacook. 

The grants of land obtained by Mr. Eliot for the 
Indians lying on the west side of Concord River, 
were for the sole use of the christianized Indians, 
whose capital was Wamesit. Hence when the 
bounds were established in 1665, between Chelms- 
ford and the Indian grant, the latter is called Wame- 
sit, though in the act of Court in 1653 it is styled 
Pawtuckett. The reason for calling it Wamesit in 
1665 and ever after, is this, that it was granted as 
the proper right and for the sole use of the praving 
or christianized Indians at or about Wamesit. 

Gookin describes Wamesit,as lying on the east side 
of Concord river & containing 2,500 acres. This from 
the best calculations, that can now be made, was a- 
bout the quantity of land, appropriated to the Indians 
on both sides of Concord river. Their lands in 
Tewksbury, or what we may call Wamesit proper 
are estimated at 1000 acres ; and those in Chelms- 
ford, or Wamesit, so called afterwards, are suppos- 
ed to be about i5,00 acres. 

Attention to the origin and history of the family 
at Pawtucket falls will shew more clearly the rea- 
son why the name of Pawtuckett was soon lost in 
that of Wamesit. 

The first considerable settlement at Pawtuckett 
fells was made about the year 1670. " The Pen- 
nacooks had come down the river and built a fort at 
Pawtuckett. They were opposed to Christianity 



145 

and obstinately refused to pray to God. They joined in 
the expedition against the Mohawks, and were most- 
ly destroyed. Since that time the Pawtuckett Indians 
were at feast several of them become praying In- 
dians.* From this time the history of the Indians 
at Pawtuckett and Wamesit are blended together. 
They are both praying families, and meet together 
at one place for public worship on the sabbath as 
appears from the account hereafter given of the 
conversion of Wannalancett. Hence Gookin de- 
scribing a visit, which Mr. Eliot and he made to this 
place, says; we took our journey May 5, 1 674, to 
Wamesit or Pawtuckett, and arriving there that 
evening, Mr. Eliot preached out of Matthew 22, 
from 1 to the 1 1th verse in Wannalancet's wigwara 
about two mile? from the town near Pawtuckett 
Falls on Merrimack river. But the highest and last 
proof, that the Indian plantation originally calied 
Pawtuckett was afterwards styled Wamesit, is found 
in the Indian deed of Salem,f where it is expressly 
called Wamesit, or Chelmsford. 

Public Worship. 

tt At the praying villages public worship was thus 
performed. Upon the Lord's days, fast days, and 
lecture days the people assemble.! together at the 
sound of the drum ;* twice on Lord's days, and once 
only on lecture days. The teacher began with sol- 
emn affectionate prayer ; then read a chapter dis- 
tinctly out of the Old or New-Testament. A psalm 
was then appointed, solemnly rehearsed and suno*. 

*FJiot quoted by Huchirc«on, vol. 1. — p. 16G Note. 

fSee extract from it in pai;e 151 

** The Drum and horn were both used for calling people together for 
public worship. Voted that Abraham Tyler blow his horn half an hour 
before meeting on Lord's day and lecture <)ap and receive one lb. of 
pork annuallj for his service fr in e; eh family.' 

Saltonmlla Hist. HxvsrhilL 



t4G 

The minister catechised and prayed before his ser- 
mon. Then preached from some text of Scrip- 
ture. He then concluded with prayer, singing; and 
a benediction. Sometimes instead of reading the 
chapter some person answered Sotne questions in 
the catechism ." 

It is said that the 4 Indians at Wamesit were nev- 
er very hearty in the cause of Christianity.' This 
remark is partially confirmed by the fact, that a 
church was never established there. 

The general character of the Pawtucketts was 
not warlike. Unaccustomed to the fatigues and 
hardships of war, their love of peace and ease indu- 
ced them to forego the honors of warlike exploits. 
When the Mohawks made war upon the Massachu- 
setts and Pawtucketts, they carried terrors into their 
very hearts, and forced them from their fishing: pi a- 
cp.s, cornfields, and habitations. They lied to the 
English for protection and support. Their ideas of 
the Maquas may be learnt from the following speech. 

Sept. 1665, five well armed, stout young Mo- 
hawks cime into the house of John Taylor of Cam- 
bridge. They were arrested as spies, and sent to 
Boston. '1 he neighboring Indians came in great 
numbers to see them, and to entreat the court to 
put them to death, or suffer them to kill them, 
for said they "these Mohawks are to us what 
wolves are to your sheep. They secretly seize up- 
on us and our children wherever they meet us, and 
destroy us. If we had taken five wolves alive, and 
should let them go again and not destroy them, you 
Englishmen would be greatly offended .vith u?,&sure- j 
ly the lives of men are of more worth than beasts." 

Perhaps the peaceable spirit of the Pawtucketts 
during the latter period of their residence at their 
several villages on Merrimack River might be ow- 
ing in some degree to the dying counsel of Passa- 



147 

connaway, the Chief Sagamore ofthe, Pawtucketl 
nation. This Chief distinguished for his duplicity. 
Sagacity 8nd moderation, and tor his skill in necro- 
mancy, at a great feast and dance in lbbO maue hi^ 
farewell speech to his people, in this he warned 
them as a dj ing man 10 take heed tiovv they quarrel- 
led with their English neighbors. For though 
they might do them some damige, yet it would 
prove tne means of their own destruction". He 
tol. them that he had been a bitter enemy to the 
English and had tried all the arts ol sorcery to pre- 
vent their settlement and increase, but could by no 
neans succeed, bo far was this counsel regard- 
ed, that on the breaking out of Phillip's war 1675. 
Wannalancet the son and successor oi Passaconna- 
v.ay retired*with his people into some remote place. 
that he might not be drawn into the quarrel; 

It appears that amicable dispositions were cher- 
ished and preset ved between the Pawtucketts and 
inhabitants of Chelmsford with very little interrup- 
tion; though for the first half century they were in 
perpetual alarms and (ears, and exposed to the 
greatest dangers. The M aquas, and strange In- 
dians from the southward were the fomentors and 
perpetrators of most of the mischief that was 
done. 

The affray in 1676 was caused, as Hubbard and 
ethers assert, by the imprudent and unjustifiable at- 
tack of some people from Woburn and Chelmsford, 
who to retaliate the burning of a barn, and some 
hay slacks, supposed to have been done by the In- 
dians, fired upon them, killed some and wounded 
several others. This excited, the Indians to a pre- 
datory war. They burnt several houses in Dracut, 
Chelmsford, Shawshin and Andovcr; killed a son 
of George Abbot of And over, and carried away 
another captive. Roger Marks was wounded and 



i48 

his hors"e killed. Two sons of Samuel Varnum were 
shot as they were rowing a boat across Merri'k. river. 

The English erected garrison houses in different 
parts of the town, to which they lied on the first no- 
tice of danger, and where they usually spent their 
nights. They were environed by a strong wall of 
stones, or of hewn timber, built up to the eaves of 
the houses ; through which was a gate, fastened by 
bars and bolts of iron. They were lined either 
with brick, or thick plank. Some of them had port- 
holes, for the discharge of niusquetry. In these the 
early settlers spent many a sleepless, anxious night. 

Some idea of the distressing situation to which 
they were constantly exposed, and in which they 
were often actually placed, may be obtained by the 
following document, taken from the records of the 
General Court, and from sundry letters found on file 
in the office of the Secretary of this Commonwealth, 

" Considering the present danger of an assault by 
the Indians, on the county of Middlesex, it is ordered 
that John Phillips, Esq. be commander in chief of 
the lower regiment, and Maj. Tho. Hinchman, of the 
upper regiment in Middlesex, and so continue till 
an orderly nomination of Majors can be made for 
the said regiment. 

Consented to by the Governor and Council, 

June 27, 1G89. ISAAC ADD1NGTON, Secy.. 

Several garrison houses were standing within the 
memory of some persons now living. Particularly 
one south of the meetinghouse — one near Mr. An- 
drew Spalding's, which was destroyed by the gale 
in 1814. One on the west side of Francis hill which 
overlooked the settlements on Stoney Brook and 
had several dwelling houses around it, whose eel 
lars and walls are vet visible. 

Chelmsford, July 12, 1639, 
Hon. and Worshipful, 

These bring you my humble service acquaint* 






149 

ing you, that yours bearing date 1 1 i'nst. 1 have re- 
ceived, wherein 1 understand the great and eminent- 
danger we are in upon account of the enemy, the 

town being threatened the next week to be assaulted. 

ii 
And not only from what yours expresses ; but also 

what was discovered at Groton the night before last 
—the which I understand you have been informed 
of. And also at Dunstable on Thursday night last to- 
wards morning appeared within view ot Mr. Waldo's 
garrison 4 indians, who shewed themselves as spies, 
and it is judged, (though not visible) that all the gar- 
rison in said town were viewed by the enemy ; and 
that by reason thereof their cattle and other crea- 
tures were put into a strange affright. Wherefore 
Honorable and Worshipful, I judge it highly need- 
ful and necessary that we have relief at this town 
and that speedily of about 20 men or more for the 
repulsing the enemy in guarding some out places, 
which are considerable on each side Merrimack, as 
Messrs. Howard, Varnum, Cobourn &c. who oth- 
erwise must come in to us, and leave what they have 
to the enemy or to be exposed to the merciless cru- 
elty of bloody and barbarous men. 

I have ordered of those troops, which are made 
up of towns, which are in danger^ 40 at a time to 
he out upon scout until the latter end of next week; 
concerning whom I judge it ncediul and necessary 
that they be released to go home to guard the seve- 
ral towns, they belong to. Thus Honorable and 
Worshipful please to consider and grant the above 
petitioned things, which I hope and believe will be 
conducible to the safety and security of us and these 
exposed towns and highly oblige your most hum- 
ble servant: 

THOMAS IIINCHMAN V 

To the Hon. Governor and Council, 
sitting in Boston* 



150 
Mode of Catching and Dressing Fish. 

" From the Indian, or wild hemp they made cord- 
age, with which they manufactured nets from 30 to 
40 feet long, which they used in taking salmon, stur- 
geon and shad. With this they prepared lines to 
"which they affixed crooked pieces of bone in the 
form of a hook for angling. They had also a singu- 
lar mode of catching sturgeon in the night. They 
lighted up a birchen bark, and waving it to and fro, 
by the side of the canoe, allured the sturgeon, which 
approached, " tumbling and placing an 1 throwing 
up their white bellies," into which the Indians stuck 
their spears and darts. " Their backs aie impene- 
trable." 

Their mode of dressing fish was to boil it with beans 
and maize, in this pottage they boiled fish and tiesh 
of all sorts either green, or dried, cutting it in small 
pieces. They also mixed with this pottage several 
sorts of roots, groundnuts, pompions, squashes, acorns, 
walnuts, chesnuts. The nuts being dried and pow- 
dered, were used instead of meal to thicken their 
pottage. 

Courts. 

The English Magistrate usually held his court at 
Wamesit annually in May. Mr. Elliot attended him 
to give advice to the magistrates, and to preach to 
the Indians, whom the occasion might call together 
in greater numbers. 'While many resorted to this 
ancient capital seat of Indians to iish, he seized the 
opportunity, to spread the net of the gospel to fish 
for their souls.' 

In the early settlement of New-England thePaw- 
tucketts consisted of about 3000 ; and in 1674, 250, 
At Wamesit, when Mr. Elliot persuaded them to re- 
ceive the gospel, there were about 75 souls. Their 
chief sagamore and civil ruler after they became 



christianized, was Numpow, " a man of a noble spir- 
it." His son Samuel was their teacher. In the 
expedition against the Mohawks in 1669 they were 
mostly destroyed. Being reduced to a very small 
number, they determined to remove farther to the 
north ; and, that they might not go away with re- 
sentment and unfavorable impressions against the 
English, they were persuaded not only to sell the 
lands assigned them by the government, but also in 
1686 to release by deed all right in the townships of 
Concord, Chelmsford, Groton, Lancaster, Stow and 
Dunstable.* 

The same year certain Indians at Wamesit and 
Natick, gave a deed of sale of the township of Sa- 
lem, f This also was probably done to prevent any 
future evil, that might arise from the Indians,, on the 
pretence of injustice on the part of the English, in 
taking away their lands by force or fraud, and with- 
out compensation. 

In the year abovesaid, the Indians at Wamesit, 
sold for valuable consk orations all their land west of 
Concord river, except Wannalancet's old planting 
field, together with 500 acres on the north of Mer- 
rimack river, reserving the privilege of hunting and 
fishing, and of using what wood was necessary for 
the dressing of their food and other conveniences. 

After this their headquarters were at Penna- 
cook, though a few families remained at Wamesit 
several years; and others were occasionally there 
oY» hunting and fishing parties and for the purpose 
of visiting their English friends and former neigh- 
bors. 

♦Douglass. 

t A copy of this Deed is printed in Rev. Mr. Eentley's History oi 
Salem, signed by David Nonjriupanoho . Sam Wuttaannoh, John Jonto- 
qunne, Cicilys' son, grandchildren of George Sagamore; Cicily Petag- 
huncksg, Sarah WeKtaqnatinnnsk, daughters of George Sagamore, a 
foresaid, and Thomas Wkqneakussenm no, alias, Capt. '' om, all of 
Waymessick, alias, Chelmsford, and certain others from Natick. 



152 

In 1680, the rawtueketts at Pennacook, were 
brought into public notice, by their cruel plot a- 
gainst the life of Maj. Waldron, of Cocheckor or Do- 
ver; and the friehdshilp of some of the former in- 
habitants of Wamesit, is abundantly tested by their 
disclosure of it to Maj Hinchman, as will appear by 
the following letters, copied from the originals on 
file in flic Secretary's office. 

Hon'd. Sir, 

This day two Indians came from Pennacook, 
viz. Job Maramasquand and Peter Muckamug, who 
report that damage will undoubtedly be done with- 
in a few days at Piscataqua, and that Maj. Waldron. 
in particular is threatened; and that Julimatt fears 
that mischief will quickly be done at Dunstable. — 
The Indians can give a more particular account to 
your honor. They say if damage be done, the blame 
shall not be on them, having given a faithful account 
of what they hear; and are upon that report moved 
to leave their habitation and corn at Pennacook. — 
Sir, I was very loth to trouble you, and to expose 
myself to the censure and derision of some of the 
confident people, that would pretend to make a 
sport with what I send down by Capt. Tom, (alias, 
Thomas Ukqucakussennum.) 

I am constrained from a sense I have of my duty, 
and from love to my country-men, to give the infor- 
mation as above. So with my humble service to 
your honor, and prayers for the safety of an endan- 
gered people. 1 am, Sir, your humble servant. 

June 22. THO. HINCHMAN. 

Hon^d. Sir, This 22 June. 

This day Captayne Tom and another Indian, 
informed me that there is farther mischief intended 
by the Indians, which the bearer hereof, Thomas 
Loud, is able to inform you of. — yrs. T. H. 

Hon. Thomas Dantorth, Esq. at Cambridge. 



153 

Mr. Danforth, providentially detained from the 
meeting of the council, inclosed the foregoing in the 
following letter directed to Governor Bradstreet. 

Hon. Sir, June 22, 1689. 

The enclosed came to hand last night by the bear- 
er, who has farther to »nform,and gives such a charac- 
ter of the Indians, & brings such a report as gives great 
cause to fear it is too true. He will iniorm of the 
names. who they are,andof the manner that they have 
plotted their designs. Something must of necessity 
be done, or matters will grow worse. I understand 
that Hawkins* is a principal enemy, and that he 

*As a specimen of Indian faith the following letters of said Hawkins are 

May 5, 1685 Honour Govuemor my friend 
You my friend I desire your worship and your power, because I hope 
you can do som great matters this one. I am poor and naked, and I 
have no men at my place because I afraid allways Mohogs he will kill me 
every day & night. If jour worship when please pray help me you no lei: 
Mohogs kill me at my place at Malamake river called Panuckkog and 
Nattukkog, I will submit your worship and you>- power. And now 
want pouder and such alminishon, shott and guns, because I have forth a 
my hom and I plant theare. This all Indian haud, but pray you do co a 
sider your humble servant. John Hogkins Sup-. 

Another from the same. 
Honour Mr Governor May 15 1685 

Now this day I com your house, I want see you and I bring my hand 
at before you I want shake hand to you. If your worhip when please 
then you receive my hand, then shake your hand and my hand. You 
my friend because i remember at old time when live my grant father and 
grant mother then Englishmen com this country, then my grant father and 
Englishmen they make a good govenant, they freend allwayes, my grant 
father leving at place called Malamake rever, other name chef Natukkog 
and Panukkog, that one rever great many names & 1 bring you this few 
skins at this first time 1 will give you my friend 
This all Indian hand 

Joav X Hawkiivs Sagamore. 

The two foregoing were signed by 14 other Indians at Pennacook, a- 
raong whom was Old P^obin and Peter Kobin. 

Another from the same. 
Please your worship, 

I will intreat you matther you my friend, now this, if my Indian he 
do, you long pray you no put your law because some of my Indians 
fool some men much love drunk, then he no know what he do, may hit 
he do mischtf when he drunk, if so pray you must let me know what lie 
done, because I will ponis him what he have done you, you my friend i: 
you desire my busines, then sent me 1 will help you if I can 

Mr. Joh.v Hogki.vs. 

Btlknup's His. -V. //. Vol. 1, Jpper.dit , 



154 

threatens ihai whosoever comes to treat whether 
English or Indians they will knock them on the head'. 
They are a company of young men, 30 in a compa- 
ny. They have a special design on Maj. Waldron 
and Peter Coifin, and under pretence of trade intend 
to surprise them and that speedily. I am much a- 
f'raid, if there be no speedy course taken their com- 
pany will increase. I must beg excuse lor my ab- 
sence today, for by the providence of God 1 am de- 
tained. God direct. 

Your humble servant, THOMAS DANFORTH. 

N. 3. I entreat that Maj. Waldron have speedy notice ; 
better to send on purpose, than not at all. 

On the above information the Governor and coun- 
cil ordered a messenger to be sent toCochacho with 
the following disclosure of the plot. But* by rea- 
son of the unexpected detention of the messenger 
at Newbury ferry, during the fatal night of the 
27th of June the news came too late to save the 
brave, but unfortunate Waldron. 

Boston, June 27, 1689. 
Hon'ble Sir, 
The Governor and Council having this day re- 
ceived a letter from Maj. Henchman of Chelmsford, 
informing that some Indians are come in unto them, 
who report, that there is a gathering of some Indians 
in or about Peuecooke with design of mischief to the 
Eng'ljsh. Among these said Indians one Hawkins is said 
to be a principal designer; and that they have a par- 
ticular design against yourself and Mr. Peter Coffin. 
The council thought it necessary to send you advice 
thereof, and to give you notice, that you may take 
care of your safeguard ; they intending to endeavor 
to betrav vou on a pretention of trade. Please forth- 
with to signify the import hereof to Mr. Coffin and 

*F6r a ftill account of this interesting affair the render is referred to 
Dr. Belknap's Wis. N. Hampshire, Vol." 1, p, 245 and so on. 



156 

>tkcrs as you mat' think necessary, and advise of 
what information you may at any time receive of 
the Indians motions. 

By order of Council, ISAAC ADDINGTON, Sedy. 

For Maj. VValdron and Mr. Peter Coffin, or either -of 
diem at Cochecha. These with all possible speed. 

This plot is said by Hubbard to have been form- 
ed by some strange Indians, who having been pun- 
ished for their crueltv and treachery to the English 
meditated revenge, and artfully engaged some of 
the Pennacooks to assist them in obtaining it. 

A relation of Wannalancet's conversion together 
with a few interesting anecdotes will close the me- 
moir. 

Wannalancet was the son of Old Passaconnaway. 
the great Sagamore of Pennacook to whom the 
whole Pawtuckctt tribe acknowledged subjection. 
In 1659 Wannalancet was imprisoned for a debt of 
45/. He affirmed that several Indians now in pos- 
session of a small island in Merrimack river 3 miles 
above Pawtuckctt falls, containing about 60 acres, 
the half thereof was broken up, were willing to self 
their interest in this Island, and so redeem Wanna- 
lancet out of prison. The court gave liberty to sell said 
Jand for the purpose aforesaid ; and Wannalancet was 
liberated. He succeeded after the death of his lather 
to the Sachemship of the Pavvtuckett tribe and 
moved about 1670 as related in the preceding ac- 
count to Pawtuckett falls, where he built a fort on 
the heights south east of the river. He was " a 
sober, grave person, between fifty and sixtyyears 
of age," when Mr. Eliot and Mr. Gookin visited him 
in 1674. "He was always loving and friend lv to 
the English ; but was unwilling to receive Christian- 
ity." " Many endeavors were made for several - 
years to gain this sachem to embrace Christianity 

U2 



156 

A great reason for his aversion was supposed to be 
the indisposition of sundry of his chief men and rela- 
tions to pray to God, who, he foresaw, would desert 
him in case he turned christian. He had consented 
to hear preaching and to keep the sabbath tor four 
years previous to the visit paid him by Mr. Eliot 
and Mr. Gookin, May, 5, 1674, when Mr. Eliot 
preached from the parable of the marriage of the 
king's son. Matth. 22, — 1, 14. On the next day 
Mr. Eliot 4 proposed to him to give his answer con- 
cerning prayiug to God. He stood up and after 
some deliberation and a serious pause made a speech 
to this effect.' 

" Sirs, you have been pleased for years past in 
your abundant love to apply yourselves particularly 
unto me and my people to exhort, press and persuade 
us to pray to God. I am very thankful to you for 
your pains. I must acknowledge I have all my days 
been used to pass in an old canoe, and now you ex- 
hort me to change and leave my old canoe and em- 
bark in a new one. to which I have hitherto been 
unwilling ; but now I yield up myself to your advice 
and enter into a new eanoe and do engage to pray to 
God hereafter." 

" This processed subjection was well pleasing to 
all that were present, of whom there were some 
English persons of quality ; as Mr. Richard Dan- 
iel, a gentleman who lived in Billerica about 6 miles 
oil ; and Lieut. Hinchman, a neighbor at Chelms- 
ford, beaidos brother Eliot and myself and sundry 
others English anc Indians." Mr. Daniel desired 
brother Eliot to tell this sachem from him, " that it 
may be, while he went in his old canoe, he passed 
In a quiet stream ; but the end thereof would be 
death and destruction to soul and body. But now 
he went into a new canoe, perhaps he would meet 
with storms and trials, but yet he should be encour- 
aged to persevere, for the end oi his voyage would 



mi 

be everlasting rest." " Moreover he and his peo^ 
pie were exhorted by brother Eliot and myself to 
go on and sanctity the Sabbath, to hear the word, 
and use the means that God hath appointed and en- 
courage their hearts in the Lord their God. Since 
that time I hear this sachem doth persev* re and is 
a diligent and constant hearer of God's word and 
sanctifieth the sabbath, though he doth travel to 
Wamesit meeting every sabbath, which is above two 
miles ; and though sundry of his people have de- 
serted him.* 

" Wannalancet was always peaceable and true 
to the English ;"t and Mr. risk and Maj. Hinchman 
are said to have cultivated his friendship and that of 
the Wamesits with successful assiduity; of which 
the following traditionary anecdote is corroborative. 

At the conclusion of Phillip's war, or some of those 
Indian wars, which proved destructive to many En- 
glish settlements, and extremely embarrassed and 
perplexed the frontiers, Wannalancet after a long 
absence called on the Rev. Mr. Fiske and congrat- 
ulating him on the restoration of peace, solicitously 
enquired after the welfare ot the people in Chelms- 
ford, and whether they had suffered greatly during 
the war. Mr. Fiske, replied that they had been 
highly favored, for which he desired to thank God. 
4 Me next,' said the sagacious sagamore, intimating 
that through his influence this town had been ex- 
empted from the calamities, that had befallen many- 
others. 

The frequent disclosure of evil designs against 
the English, made to Maj. Hinchman by the Indians 
at Wamesit shews the mutual confidence and friend 
ship existing between them. 

Hinchman had the special care and inspection ot 
them and by his prudence and wisdom conciliated 
their respect and esteem. 

*Gookin p. 187, Hie. Col. rol. 1. tHubbard, Ind. Wars p. 359. 



Jt/O 



To illustrate this remark the following narrative 
ts inserted entire from Gookin. 

In the year 1670 a party of the Moquas or Mo- 
hawks, looking after their prey met with some In- 
dians in the woods, belonging to Naumkuk or Warn- 
esit upon the north side of Merrimack river not far 
from some English houses ; where falling upon these 
Indians, who were travelling in a path, they killed 
some and took others, whom they also killed ; and 
among the rest a young maid of about fourteen years 
old was taken, the scalp of her head taken off, her 
skull broken, and she was left for dead with others. 
Some of the Indians escaping came to their fellows, 
and with a party of men they went forth to bring 
off their dead, where they found this maid with life 
in her. So they brought her home and got Lieuten- 
ant Thomas Hinchman, a good man, and one that 
hath inpection over them by my order to use means 
for her recovery. And though he had little hope 
thereof, yet he took the best care he could about it 
As soon as he conveniently could, he sent her to an an- 
cient and skilful woman, living at VVoburn about ten 
miles distant, called Goodwile Brooks to get her 
to use her best endeavors to recover the maid: 
which by the blessing of God she did, though she was 
two years or more in curing her. I was at Good- 
wife Brooks' house in May 1G73, when she was in 
cure; and she shewed me a piece or two of the 
-bkull, that she had taken out. In May last 1674 the 
second day I being among the Indians at Paw tuck- 
tstt to keep court, and Mr. Eliot, and Mr. Richard 
l)aniel and others with me, I saw the maid alive and 
in health, and looked upon her head, which was 
whole, except a little spot as a big as a sixpence 
might cover. But there was no hair come again 
upon the head, where the scalp was flayed off." 

Wamesit suffered more from the Moquas, than 
-any otlaer praying village. Divers of their people 



159 

were slain, others wounded, and some carried info 
captivity. 

On the whole it appears from an attentive ex- 
amination of the subject, that the Pawtuckett tribe 
were less addicted to revenge and cruelty, and had 
more good qualities to excite admiration and esteem, 
than any tribe in New- England. There were some 
individuals, it is true, that were treacherous and vin- 
dictive, but their national character gives a favora- 
ble impression of the good qualities of these savages. 
And it is a well authenticated fact, that most of 
their treacheries and hostilities towards the English', 
were the effect of foreign influence, either from the 
French on the north, or from those strange Indians, 
that incorporated themselves with them from the 
southward and westward. 

The judgment of four sachems at Pawtuckett in 
the case of an idolatress does great honor to their 
understandings, and the story as related by Mr.. 
Eliot, deserves to be transmitted to posterity. 

" In the spring of the year 1653, being sundry 
days at Pawtuckett, and spending a Sabbath among 
them, there was a woman at the meeting, who had 
a small bright brass image of a man, about her neck* 
hanging by a string, fastened about the neck of the 
image. I observed it, but thought little of it Af- 
terwards when I thought to have gone away, my 
horse had run and gone homeward, as they found 
by his foosteps, whereupon I sent some after mv 
horse and purposed to have gone on foot, till they 
met me with the horse. Many being gathered to- 
gether to take leave of me, among the rest was the 
woman with the image about her neck. I asked her 
why she wore it there j she roundly and readily an- 
swered me, I pray unto it ! Why said I, do you ac- 
count that to be your God? She as readily answer- 
ed yes. At which I marvelled, haying never seen 



m 

the like at anyplace before. I therefore declared 
to her and to the company about me, the greatness 
of the sin of idolatry. I urged the second com- 
mandment. I shewed that idols should be demol- 
ished. I desired her to give it me, that I might de- 
molish it, but she refused. I offered her half a 
crown for it; but she was not willing. Perceiving 
it to be tied with a riding knot, I slipped the knot 
and slipt off the image. Then she swelled with an- 
ger and cried. 

I presently gave her half a crown, which she took, 
but was not pacified. I told the company the first 
pond I came to, I would cast it in. When I depart- 
ed, she girt up her loins and ran after me ! When 
I perceived it, 1 asked her whither she went, she 
answered me, whither I went, that she would not 
leave me so long as I had her God about me. 

It began to rain, which was some discouragement 
to my going forward. I considered also that this 
act of mine in taking away the idol, was neither so 
proper, nor so valid, as it would be, if the rulers 
and sachems should do it. I resolved to return and 
did so, and the woman after me. When I returned 
to the wigwam, there being four sachems present 
that prayed to God, I desired them all to come to- 
gether. I told them that seeing the rain had driven 
me back, God would not have me yet go; but some- 
what else is to be done about this idol, and the sin of 
idolatry. And because the woman is not yet con- 
tent with what I have done, I do commit the matter 
and the idol to you to judge. 

So I laid it upon the ground before them where 
they sat, and went to confer with the company 

When they had set about half an hour in consul- 
tation, they desired the company to come before 
them, which was done. They said they had agreed 
upon the judgment — 1st that the act in taking the 



101 

idol was well done. 2dly, That one man should be 
appointed to demolish the idol, and three others for 
witnesses, that it was done. 3diy, They adjudged 
the idolatress to be a great sinner ; yet as it was 
;he first time, and she had done it ignorautly there- 
fore they would spare her. Yet they did al!, one af- 
ter another, reprove her very solemnly. 

After execution done upon the idol, one declared 
that he understood that there were some more idols 
like to that in other houses. I requested the sa- 
chems to send for those also. The constable went 
well guarded, and presently brought a bright brass 
image or seraphim with his wings spread, to the sa- 
chems, who passed the same judgement as they had 
done upon the former, and it was executed accord- 
ingly. 

I asked how it should come to pass, that there 
should be such idolatry here, and in no place else 
that I had heard of. They rendered this reason. 
That this being the most northerly place that I re- 
sort to, some of the Indians have commerce with the 
Indians that are yet more northerly, who have com- 
merce with those whom the French teach to pray 
to such idols. Therefore they think the idols and 
idolatry come from them.'* 

* The French were in possession of Canada, and found the Indiana 
very convenient instruments, by which to execute their malicious de- 
signs against the English. Father Ralle, the French Jesuit and Mis-ion- 
ary — was a fire-brand among the Indians, that kindled their vindictive 
passions into a flame against the peacable borderers of the English ter- 
ritory. 

The 1st Indian war, called Philip's war. Eesjan 1675 — Philip was 
killed Aug. IG~C>, and the war concluded this year 

The 2d Indian war, called King William's, began 1689, ended 169". 

The 3d French and Indian war, called Queen Ann's war, began 17031, 
ended 1712 — After Philip's war, part of the tribe of the Nashawavs mov- 
ed to Pennacook, and became incorporated with the inhabitants of that 
village. 

1686 — Joseph Trask, alia-j, Puagastion ofPennacook ; Job, alias, Pora- 
pamamay, of Natick and Simon Peticom, alias, Wananapan, of Wamas- 
sick, or Waymesit, conveyed a certain tract of kind, twelve miles square, 
to sundry persons for £33, afterward called Rutland, iu the county of 
Worcester. 

In 1696, there were 3,0 Indian Churches id N.England. 

r 



!Ol 



APPENDIX. 

NO. I. 

To (lie Hon. John Endicol with others of the Hon. Ma'gls*- 
■rales and deputies at the Hon. Court now at Boston assembled,. 

Humbly Sheweth, That whereas we your hum- 
ble petitioners who made bold the last court assem- 
bled to present a petition at the bar of this horn 
Court, which was accepted and granted to us, for 
"which we give the court humble thanks; and being 
encouraged by this com* to view the land, that hcth 
ye; undisposed of and unimproved on the other side 
of Concord river : accordingly we have by a comity 
taken care and paynes to do, with several others, 
that by the providence of God are now joined peti- 
tioners with us, who upon our viewing the land a- 
bove said do find a tracke of land, which bordereth 
upon the river Merimack near to Paatucket, which 
we do find a very comfortable place to accominidate 
a company of God's people upon; that may with 
God's blessing and assistance live comfortably upon 
and do good in that place for church, and Common- 
wealth: and many of your petitioners are destitute 
of accommodations, some never having had any, and 
some others very little comedation, for that we cannot 
subsist, unless we do take some care to look out a 
way (as God may direct) for our Comfortable sub- 
sistance — and now we your humble petitioners do 
intreat this hon. court to grant to us so much land as 
mav be there laid out to the quantity of six miles 
square of upland and meadow, which parcel of land 
we do entreate may begin at Merimacke river at a 
jiecke of land next to Concord river — and so 
run up by Concord River south — and west into 
^hc country to make up that circumference or quan 



\i)J 



■Uiy of land, as is above expressed. And ioras- 
much as many of the petitioners are in great "neces- 
sity, haying no settled place to abide in ; & we all in 
general being desirous to proceed tog-ether as one 
man to carry on that work, the Lord shall call us to, 
and this hon. court shall in their christian wisdom, di- 
rect us; therefore we humbly intreat this hon. Court 
togratify their humble petitioners with a speedy an- 
swer — so shall you ever bind us to serve you, where- 
in you shall command 

Your humble servents. 
James Blood 



Bcnj. Butterficld 
John Parker 
Isaac Learned 
James Parker 

George Farley 
Thomas Chamberlin 
Joseph Parker 
John Hosmer 
Jacob Parker 
Henry Foster 
VYm. Chamberlin 
John Nuttinge 
Edmund Chamberlin 
John Baldwinge 
Richard Griffin 



John Smcdley 
Roger Draper 
William Fk-tchei 
Thomas Adams 
Wm. Hartwell 
Robert Procter - 
Wm. Butrickc 
Baptis Smedley 
Richard Hildretl; 
1 horn as Briggam 
Daniel Bloggett 
John Hall 
Wm. Hall 



May 19, 1G53, 



NO. II. 



At a General Court of Election held at Boston 
the 18th of May 1653. In answer to a petition of 
several of the inhabitants of Concord and Woburn 
for the erecting- a new plantation on Merrimack 
River near to Pawtucket, the court doth grant the 
petitioners aforesaid the tract of land mentioned in 
their petition, except some part of it, joyning the 
Merrimack River, provided that the said petitioners 
shall sufficiently break up so much land for the In- 
dians in such place as they shall appoint within such 
plantation as shall there be appointed them, as they 



164 

have of planting ground about a bill, called Robin's 
Hill, and that the Indians shall have use of that 
planting ground aforesaid free of all damage until the 
petitioners have broken up the land for the Indians 
aforesaid. As to the plantation petitioned for by- 
Mr. Eliot, the court judgeth it meet to be granted 
tltem (Indians) with the exceptions and provisions 
aforementioned. And for stateing, (or laying out) 
of both, that Capt. Johnson and Capt. Willard be ap- 
pointed to lay out the said plantations or townships, 
the English at the -charge of the petitioners — the 
Indian plantation at the charge of the country with- 
in one month after this session. Otherwise the 
plantations not to be laid out. That if the petition- 
ers of Concord and Wcburn shall not within two 
years settle a competent number of families, 
thereby building and planting upon the said tract of 
land, twenty families or upward being so considered, 
so as they may be in capacity for enjoying all the 
ordinances of God there, then this grant to be void. 
A true copy — as appears by the examination of 

ISAAC ADDINGTON, Sec, 

NO. HI. 

1th 3 month 1656. 
The humble petition of the Inhabitants of Chelms- 
ford sheweth, that whereas this hon. Court, hath 
formerly given them a sertaya tract of land which 
we thankfully exsept, and we thought it to have 
been sufficient and convenient for a plantation ; but 
by reason of the stonines of some part and the 
barones of another part thereof we were constrain- 
ed to situatt our habitation on the corners of our 
bounds, which was only convenient for that use, and 
so we have unavoidably put ourselves upon stracts, 
because now our situation is near upon our north 
east line, and whereas we have no outlet for our 
cattle to feed on — may it please therefore this hon 



165 

Court to lake this our condition into consideration 
and to grant a small parsill of land from our north 
east line downe to Mcrimack river, and so bounded 
by said river about 3 miles and so run upon a south 
west line, as that we would not be any hindrance to 
Grauton plantation — and your petitioners will con- 
tinually remain praying for a blessing upon all your 
waity affairs. 

Isaac Learned 
Thomas Adams 
Simon Thompson 
Edward Spalding 
Benja. Butteriield 
Jo.. Fiske Wm. Fletcher 

Wm. Underwood 
In the name of the town. 

NO. IV. 

At a General Court held at Boston, on the 14 May 
1656. 

In answer to a petition of the Inhabitants oi. 
Chelmsford, together with that part of Mr. Eliot's 
petition, respecting an enlargement of land, on con- 
ference with the comittee who laid out the bounds 
of Chelmsford, and on perusal of a plot of the said 
plantations, and also of the tract of land now by both 
parties petitioned for — the court, judgeth it meet, 
that the Indian grant he extended a mile from the 
north east angle or corner bound of Chelmsford, a- 
butting on Mcrimack and Pawtucket eastward tak- 
ing in John Sagamore's planting ground, and the end 
of said mile to determine the Indian plantation. — 
And tor the rest of the land in behalf of both towns 
petitioned for — that Chelmsford South and North 
fine, abutting on Tadmuck be extended from the 
north west corner three miles north so as it pass not 
Merrimack river and from thence a paralel line 



16'8 

be tiic proper right ana tc the sole use of Indians of 
the said Indian plantation, and all the land lying on 
the south west side of the said line, excopting only 
what is hereafter granted to James Parker, whetl^ 
er of the Indian old or new grant shall forever be 
and remain the proper right and to the sole use of 
the Inhabitants of Chelmsford. 

And whereas there is a parcel of land, lying at. 
the west end of the Indian Grant, which is not with- 
in the bounds of either plantation, this witnesseth 
that the abavesaid land is by the free consent of" 
both parlies, or plantations, given, granted and alien- 
ated unto James Parker of Chelmsford aforesaid in 
consideration of his great pains and costs, which he 
hath necessarily been at in setting b>unds as above- 
expressed between the above said plantations, to 
have and to hold the same with all the apurtcnan- 
ces thereof to him the said James Parker his heirs 
and assigns forever, and to his and their only proper 
use and behoof — and to the true performance of 
the above named exchange and grant mutually made 
by and between the said plantations & also their joint 
grant and gift to the said James Parker on condi- 
tion and in manner aforesaid — both the plantations 
aforesaid do bind themselves, their heirs and assigns 
forever by these presents. In witness whereof we 
whose names are subscribed as Legatees and trus- 
tees of the above said plantations have hereunto put 
our names and seals Apr. 3. 1660. 
Signed in presence of 

Sam'1 Green Wrn. Fletcher <, ) James 

Win. Symes Tho. Hinchman } S \ Parker. 

fames Converse John Elliot, m witness of my appro- 

bation. 
Pnntakun John Tawatabun's m'k (, C Acknowledged by Wm. Fletcher, 
Peter's do. -. < Thorn. Henchman and James Par- 

Monotii's do.'c_ ( Iter trusties for the Indians to be 

Rnssanaset'sdo. 6. f act and deed. 

PannabotequinV do. w, 1 Made in the presence of John EI- - 

Xamphon'f do. S. ( liotjun. 



169 



NO. VII. 

The: 12 the: 1st month 1666—7 

Lieut. Foster, Daniel Blogget, and Jacob Parker 
being a Committee appointed by the Selectmen to 
state to every proprietor in the new field their pro- 
portion offence, do find the number of acres and 
the length of fence as in the following table. 

Acres of Jand 214 | Length of fence 555 po. J Due to a lot of 6 acre9 two 

j polls and 10 feet of i«nce. 



The names of the several proprietors with the number of acres 
now in their possession, in the order they now lie. 
Acres. 



1 John Webb alias Everett, 8 

2 John Bates, 6 

3 Henry Bovvtal, 1 2 

4 Mineral Lot Mr. Webb, 6 

5 John Wright, 9 

6 Henry Farewell, 6 

7 Edward Spalding, sen. 6 

8 Daniel Blogget, 12 

9 John Shepley, sen. 1 8 
JO Joseph Parkis, 12 
1 1 Edward Spalding, jun. 6 



Acres. 

12 Solomon Keyes 6 

1 3 Benj. Butterheld, 42 

1 4 Edward Kemp, 6 

1 5 Jacob Parker, 1 7 

16 John Spalding, 6 

1 7 John Stevens, 6 

18 Mr. Fiske, 6 

19 Josiah Richardson, 6 

20 Sam'l Fletcher 6 

21 John Burge, 6 

22 John Perrum, 6 



NO. VIII. 



^op Jonathan Tyng, Esq. and Maj. Thomas 
Henchman jointly purchased of the Indians 
of Waymesit 500 acres of land lying north of Mer- 
rimack river, and bounded on the east by Beaver 
brook and southwardly by- Merrimack river near 
Pawtucket falls, also what land doth lie on the west 
side of Concord river, belonging to the Indian planta- 
tion, excepting only Wanalancett's old planting field. 
The same year Jona. Tyng sold his right in these 
lands to Major Henchman for 50/. and Maj. Hengh- 
w 



170 



man sold the land belonging to the Indian planta- 
tion west of Concord river to the lollowing proprie- 
tors : 



Edward Spalding 
Edward Foster 
Samuel Fletcher 
James Richardson 
John Spalding 
Nathaniel Howard 
Abraham Park 
Peter Proctor 
John Stevens 
Mr. Thomas Clarke 
Nath'l Butterfield 
John Spalding jun. 
Eleazar Brown 
Jerathmul Bowers' 
Joseph Spalding 
Moses Parker 
Steven Pierce 
William Underwood 
Moses Fiske 
Isaac Parker 
Josiah Richardson 



Thomas Henchman 
Dea. Foster 

Dea. Cornelius Waldo w 
Samuel Foster 
Joseph Hide 
Thomas Parker 
Gersham Procter 
John Perham 
George Robins 
John Kidder 
Solomon Reyes 
John Wright 
Peter Farewell 
Andrew Spalding 
Wm. Fletcher 
Josiah Richardson 
Joseph Farwell 
Joseph Butterfield 
Benj. Parker 
Samuel Butterfield 
Dea. C. Waldo w 
John Bates 
John Fiske. 



Jona. Tyng 
Benj. Spalding 

1G97 The proprietors laid out 20 acres to en- 
courage the erection of a mill. 

The 500 acres north of merrimack appears to 
have been retained by the Indians, though it was 
included within the sale made by Passaconaway, 
Sagamore of Penecook, Runnoawitt, Sagamore of 
Pawtucket ; Wahangnonawitt, Sagamore of Squam- 
scot and R. >wles, Sagamore of Neuhawanack to 
Wheel right and others in 1G2 9. 



171 

NO. IX. 

Fi rs l Sch ool- House, 

Built by subscription at an Expenditure of 20/. 
and by the following persons, in 1718. 



Rev. Samson Stodjdard 
Moses Barron 
Josiah Fletcher 
Deac. John Warren 
Ebenezer Foster 
Edward Spalding 
Wm. Fletcher 
John Bates 
Steven Peirce 
Moses Parker 
John Davis 
Nath'l Buttcrfield 



2/. Sam'l Barron 
Benony Perham 
Eben'r Parker 
John Burge 
Benj. Parker 
Richard Stratton 
Joseph Foster 
Benj. Adams 
Edward Foster 

10 
1 

NO. X. 



l 
i 
l 

o 10 
10 

1 

15 
1 
15 

20/. 



Wamesit annexed to Chelmsford. 

To the Hon. Wm. Dummer, Esq. Lieut. Gover- 
nor in Chief, the Hon. the Council and the Hon. 
the House of Representatives of his Majesty's 
Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New- England, 
in General Court to be assembled May 25, 1726. 

The petition of the town of Chelmsford, by the 
Selectmen. 

Humbly Shewelh, 

Whereas there are sundry inhabitants on a cer- 
tain tract of land, called Wamesit, or the neck land, 
lying adjacent to the town of Chelmsford, but not 
enexed thereunto, that from the first settlement 
have bin pertakurs of privilagees and offices and 
performed all duties in and with the said town o£ 
Chelmsford until some time in the year 1725. For 
in the said year the town of Chelmsford with the 
inhabitants of Wamesit at a town meeting did elect. 

w 2 



172 

Mr. Steven Pierce, an inhabitant of said Wamesit 
lands to represent them in this hon. Court, who was 
dismissed by resen he did not reside in Chelmsford.' 
And that on the 27 day of August in the said year, 
said town did grant eighty pounds for the defraying 
of the necery chargees, arising within the same, 
and likewise the east precinct in the said town in 
the same year conformable to this honorable coartes 
order, did grant one hundred pounds for the pay- 
ing the West Precinct their part of the meeting 
house; and also did grant 120/. for the support of 
the ministry and the defraying the precinct charges, 
and the selectmen and assessers of the town and 
precinct did proced to make the assesment as their 
usual custom was, and assest the said Wamesit in- 
habitants their proportion to the said town and pre- 
cinct rates, which amounted to about 13/. in all; but 
they taking advantage by this hon. courtes proceed- 
ing with Mr. Pierce, have refused and neglected to 
pay any part of their assesment to the west pre- 
cinct and the two hundred pounds granted for de- 
fraying the last precinct charges, considering them- 
selves not to be under the government ot Chelmsford, 
but at free liberty in such cases, which will be much 
to the damage of said town— for that the majority 
of the proprietors of the said Wamesit lands, are 
inhabitants of Chelmsford and may take the same v 
advantage of the income, which arises from the sev- 
eral parcels of the said lands ; your petitioners 
th« relore most humbly pray, that this hon. courte 
vsouldtake the premeces into their most serious con- 
sideration, and order the above inhabitants ot Wa- 
mesit to pay their several proportions unto the a- 
bovt mentioned assesment and annex the said lands 
unto Chelmsford, during the hon. Courtes pleasure 1 
*nd your petitioners as in duty bound, will ever pray 

Benja. Adams Joshua Fletcher 

Joseph Keyes Saml. Chamberlirv 

John Richardson 



173 

in the House of Representatives, June 4, 1726—* 
Read and ordered, that the petitioners serve the in- 
habitants of the within mentioned tract of land, cal- 
led Wamesit; that they shew cause on friday the 
10 mst. why the prayer of the petitioners should not. 
be granted. 

June 10, 1726. — Read again, together with the 
answer of Wamesit thereto — and the house having 
taken the same into consideration, ordered that the 
prayer of the petitioners be so far granted as that 
the tract ot land called Wamesit with the inhabitants 
thereon be and hereby are annexed to and account- 
ed a part of the town of Chelmsford. 

WM. DUDLEY, 

In council June 13, 1726. 

Read and concurred, 

JOSIAH WlLLARD, SeC* 

Consented to by Wm. Dummer, 
Copy Examined by Josiah Willard, Sec. 

NO. XI. 

In obedience to a late Law or act of the great and 
General Court, or assembly of the State of Massa- 
chusetts Bay in New- England, relative to the affix- 
ing of the prices of the necessaries of life, which are 
produced in America, we the Selectmen and the 
Committee of Correspondence, Inspection and safe- 
ty of the town of Chelmsford met, considered and 
proceeded as follows : 

£ S. D. q 

Rye, Good and merchantable 4s. 2d per Bushel. 

Wheat, Do. 7s per Bushel, 

Corn, Good merchantable Indian Corn, 3s. 8«/pr. bush. 

Wool, Do. 2s. pr. lb. 

Pork, Do. 4d. \q. pr.lb. 

Salt Pork, in usual proportion the price of salt, jood 

middlings a t 8d. 2?. pr. lb. 
Beef, well fatted and grass fed, 3d. per lb. 
Hides, Raw hide9 at 3d per lb. 
Calf-skins, Gre«n at 6d. per lb. 



5. 


D. 


4 


8 


7 





3 


8 


2 








4 





8 




3 




3 




6 






174 



£ & u. < 

Oheese, New-milk 6d. other cheese according to its goodness, 6 
Butter, Good at 9d. per lb. 9 

Pease, Good at 7*. Ad. per bush. 7 4 

Beans, Good at 6s. per bush. 6 

Potatoes, In the fall Is. id. 1 2 

In the Spring Is, 6rf. 1 6 

Stockings, Made of good yarn and well knit, (men's,) 6 
Shoes, Made of neat's leather, common sort, 6 pr. paii". 

Women's Bo. 5 4 

Oats, Gcod and merchantable 2s. per bushel, 2 

Flax, Well drest and of a good quality Is. per lb. I 

Tallow, Good tried tallow Id 2q. per. lb. 7 

Tow Cloth, 3-4 yd. wide Is. 9el. 1 9 

Veal, Good veal 3d. per lb. 3 

Mutton and Lamb, 3d. 2q. per lb. 3 

Horse-keeping on English hay, Is. per night, 1 

Ox-keeping, a large yoke on English hay Is. 6d. do. 1 6 

Ox-work, For a large, good pair 2s. per day from the 

1st. of April till the last of Sept. 2 

the other sik months Is. 6J. pr. day, 1 6 

Men's Labor, In the 3 summer months for a faithful 
day's work 3s. 

From Nov. to April — Is. 6d. per day, 
The other 4 months 2s. 
Hay, English the best quality 3s. 
Shingles, per thousand 12s. 6d. 
Boards, at the Mill or landing £\ 13s per thous. 
Clapboards, Per. thousand £3 6s. Qd. 
Coal, Pine 3d. 2q. per Bush, at the Smith's Shop 
Do. Maple and Birch at Do. Ad. per bush. 
Axes, Warranted by the smith, 
Do. New-laying and warranting 5s. Ad. 
Shoemaking, For one pair, the shoe-maker finding 

thread and wax and making them atlas shop, 3 2 

Do. at the Farmer's house, 
■Salt, Good imported salt, lis. Bd. 11 3 

Tanning, Tanning hides 2d per lb. currying in propor. 2 

Tobacco, Well made into rolls and of the best 

quality 8J. 8 

Spinning, Woolen warp, taking it home, bd. per skein, 5 

Double Skein cf Cotton warp, 5d do. 5 

Spinning by the week from home, 2e. 8 J. 2 8 

Housework by the week 2s. 10d. 2 10 

Carpenters,Labor per day from 1st of Apr. 6 mo.& found 3 4 
the other 6 months 2s. 6d. 2 C 

Wood, by the cord, oak wood corded up in the 

middle of the town, 8s. «J 

Horse-shoeing and steeling all round and well Cs. 6 

Horse-shoeing, plain without steeling 4s. lOd. 4 10 

Malt, Rye Malt, As. 8d. per bushel, 4 8 

Flip, Made of W. India Rum, IQd. per mug, 10 

Do. of N. E. Rum, 8d. per do. 8 

Rum, W. I. for a gill in the Innkeeper's house, 4 

N. E. do. do. 3 

Toddy, W. 1. 10a'. per Mug. 10 

Po. N. E. 8r/. per mugv 8 

Chelmsford, May 1779= 



3 




1 


6 


2 




3 




12 


6 


13 




6 


8 


3 


2 


4 


2 


9 




5 


4 



NO. XII. 

The following Tables contain the names of those 
who belonged to Chelmsford, and took an active 
part in the service ol their country, during the A- 
merican Revolution. 

TABLE I. 

Capt. John Ford's Company of the 27 Regiment of fool in the 
Continental army, stationed at Cambridge, and engaged in the 
memorable battle at Breed's^ commonly called Bunker's hill, 1 775* 

Ebenczer Bridge, Col. Joseph Fox, Adjutant 

Moses Parker, Lt. Col. John Bridge, Qr. Master. 

John Brooks, Maj. Walter Hastings, Surgeon 

John Sprague, Surg. Mate. 
Of the 21th Regiment. 

John Ford, Capt. engaged in the service Apr. 19, 1775. 
Isaac Parker, Lieut. Do. Do. 

Jonas Parker, Ensign. Do. Do. 

Sargent s. Corporals. 

Moses Barker John Bates 

Parker Emerson, Wm. Chambers 

Daniel Keyest Benja. Barrot 

Jonas Pierce Wm. Cambill. 

Wm. Ranstead, Drummer — Barzilla Lew, Fifer. 

PRIVATES. CASUALTIES. 



fJohn Keyes 


?ng. April 


25, 


Alexander Davidson, 


do. 


do. 


John Chambers 


do. 


26 


Samuel Britton 


do. 


do, 


tMoses Barker 


do. 


do. 


Benjamin Pierce 


do. 


do. 


David Chambers 


do. 


do. 


Ebenezer Shed 




27 


Samuel Wilson 


do. 


27 


Jonathan Sprague. 


do. 


27 


Nathl. Foster 


do. 


26 


f James Dunn 


do. 


27 


Isaiah Foster 


do. 


do. 



* These with this mark were wounded in Breed's bjil C«ht ft 



176 



PRIVATES. 

Benj. Parker 
Benj. Farley 
Enoch Cleaveland 
Benj. Butterfield 
Saml. Howard 
Moses Easterbrooks 
Robert Anger 
fElijah Haselton 
John Glode 
Jesse Dow 
tJoseph Spalding 
Francis Davidson 
Oliver Cory 
tSamucl Marshall 
Joseph Chambers 
£Jathl. Kemp 
Joseph Spalding 
fSolomon Keyes 
Isaac Barrett 
INoah Foster 
Reuben Foster 
Jonas Spalding 
Timothy Adams 
Josiah Fletcher 
tJohn Parker 
James Chambers 
Wm. Rowel 
Silas Parker 
fBenj. Haywood 
tRobert Richardson 
Thomas Bewkel 
Wm. Brown 
James Alexander 
Solomon Farmer, 



CASUALTIES, 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 




do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


26 


do. 


28 


do. 


28 


do. 


29 


do. 


do. 


do. 


28 




28 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


25 


do. 


25 


do. 


27 


do. 


27 


do. 


27 


do. 


26 


do. 


26 


May 


2 


do. 


6 


do. 


do. 


April 


28 


May 


4 


April 


27 desrted 


do. 


do. June 25 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 



Casualties, in 1775. 



Lieut. Col. Moses Parker was wounded in battle 
17th June by a ball, which fractured his knee. He 
was taken captive and carried into Boston, where 
after the amputation of his leg, he died of his wound 



177 

in prison July 4. He was son of Capt. Joseph Pri- 
ker. He early discovered a taste for military life, 
and embraced every opportunity that occurred, of 
cultivating a knowledge of military tactics, and of" 
gratifying his predominant love of the duties and la- 
bors of the camp. In 1758, he was honored with a 
lieutenant's commission in a company, commanded 
by Capt. Jona. Butterfield, and raised for the express 
purpose of a general invasion of Canada. He was 
promoted to a captain in the succeeding year, and 
in 1760, commanded a company at Fort Frederick, 
St. John's. In this expedition he distinguished him- 
self as a brave soldier, and as an intrepid and daunt- 
less officer. He was endeared to those under his 
care by his assidiuous attention to their wants and 
constant endeavors to render their situation as pleas* 
ant as circumstances would permit. Such was his 
reputation that when Governour Bernard in 1761, 
was selecting from a multitude of applicants, thirty 
captains for that year's service, Capt. Parker stood 
forth the most prominent military character on the 
list. Col. Thwing and Col. Arbuthnot declared, 
that "they would not go without him, that he was 
the only Captain they had insisted upon." So great 
was his popularity, that his friends assured him, that 
if he would accept of a captainship, "'fifty men 
might be immediately raised to serve under him "* 

Thus practiced for many years in the arts and du- 
ties of the tented field, he was qualified to take an 
active and honorable part in the revolutionary war, 
at an early period of which his fame was consum- 
mated. 

About a month previous to the battle on Bunker's 
hill, he was chosen Lieut. Colonel of the 27th reg- 
iment of minute men, Colonel Bridge and Major 
Brooks, (now his Excellency John Brooks,) were 

*M. 9. Letter of Oliver Fletcher, Esq. 
X 



178 

chosen at the same meeting to their respective offi- 
ces.* 

Capt. Benj. Walker, trained up to arms in the 
French wars, a brave soldier, and accurate disci- 
plinarian, was also wounded in the same battle, tak- 
en prisoner and carried to Boston. His leg was am- 
putated, and it was thought that he might hare re- 
covered had proper attention been paid to him. He 
died in prison the latter end of Aug. 1775. 

John Bates sickened and died in the army at 
Cambridge Dec. 4, 1775, and was buried there. 

David Spalding, jun. died of the small pox in the 
army near Ticonderoga, Aug. 1776. 

Lieut. Robert Spalding, returning from the ar- 
my, stationed at New-York, died at Milford in the 
state of Connecticut 1776. Sam'l Wilson never re- 
turned from the army, nor were the time and man- 
ner of his death ever known. 

Pelatiah Adams was killed by tories and Indians 
at Cherry Valley, upon the Mohawk river, above 
Albany 1778. Noah Foster was shot on BeonV 
Heights at the capture of Burgoyne. 

Henry Fletcher, left Chelmsford to join the armV 
July J 5, 1779. He was killed by the British in a 
skirmish while on piquet guard at White Plains, 
about twenty five miles from New-York,in the morn- 
ing of the 3d of Feb 1780. He was shot through 
the heart and immediately expired. It was at the 
corner of a house, which was burnt, and the body 
of Mr. Fletcher is supposed to have been consumed 
in the flames. He was born Jan. 17, A. D. 1754. 

* The veteran Parker, who had escaped through the whole war trf 
J756, in which he had signalized himself, and especially at the desperate 
seiee of fort Frontinac, received a ball in his thigh, (knee) and was left 
»nortally wounded in the redoubt. 

Cot. Swctt's His. Bunker hill Battle 



179 



••A muster Roil ci'Capt. John Ford's Company 
of Volunteers in Col. Jona. Reed's Regiment of mi- 
litia, who were engaged Sept. 30, 1777, to reinforce 
the northern army, at the request of the General 
Court of the Massachusetts Bay." 

TABLE II. 



John Ford, Capt. 
Temple Kendall, Lieut. 
Jona. Bancroft, Serg't. 
Willard Parker, Serg't. 
Azariah Proctor, Corp. 
Silas Pierce, Corp. 
Caleb Coburn, Corp. 
Sim'n Cummings, Corp 

Privates, 
Oliver Barron, Esq. 
Jona. Shed, 
Wra. Chambers, 
Jona. Woodard, 
Willard Howard, 
David Putman, 
Joseph Adams, 
Sara'l Adams, 
.leduthan Warren, 
Sam'l Perham, 
Josiah Fletcher, 
Henry Fletcher, 
Joel Spalding, 
David Danforth, 
David Marshall, 
Aaron Chamberlin, 
Azariah Spalding, 
Timothy Adams, 
Jona. Robins, 
Ephraim Robins, 
Supply Reed, 
Wm. Spalding, 
Stephen Peirce, 
Benj. Butterfield, 
Levi Fletcher, 
Benj. Hay ward, 



stab 


ishment 


jOifch'd Nov. 8 




pr.i 


nonlh. 


1 rime of service 


Whole am't.- 


12/. 


s. 


43 days. 


17/. 4 


8 


2 


do. 


11 12 


2 


8 


do, 


3 8 9 


2 


8 


do. 


3 89 


2 


4 


do. 


3 30 


2 


4 


do. 


3 3 


2 


4 


do. 


3 3 


2 


4 


do. 


3 30 


2 




do. 


2 17 4 


2 




do. 


2 17 4 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 17 4 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 17 4 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 17 4 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 17 4 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 


2 




do. 


2 174 



x 2 



180 





Establishment. 


Disch'd Nov. 8. 








pr. month. 


Time of servict 


Wh'Ie am 


Oliver Richardson, 


2/. 


43 days. 


11. 


17 4 


John Hadlock, 


% 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Joseph Butterfield, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Joseph Ingalls, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Aaron Small, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Wm. Fletcher, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Benj. Detion, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Sam'l Lunn, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Solomon Pollard, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


John Marsh, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Jesse Butterfield, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Eliezer Farwell, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Wm. Parker, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Jacob Baldwin, 


2 


do. 


2 


17 4 


Joseph Tyler, 


2 


23 days 


1 


10 8 


John French, 


2 


do. 


1 


10 8 


Oliver Adams, 


2 


do. 


1 


10 8 


Samuel French, 


2 


do. 

£ 


1 


10 8 




171 


19 3 


Capt. Ford allowed for e: 


itra services, 


. . - • 


46 


9 4 



Chelmsford, March 28, 1778. £218 08 1 

Captain John Ford, is among the few veteran surrivers of the revolu- 
tionary war. Though more fortunate, he is not less worthy of the honors 
of his country, than his fellow-townsmen and compatriots, the brave and 
intrepid Parker and W alker, whose claims to public grr titude and hon- 
or were sealed by their blood in the memorable battle of Bunker Hill. — 
From a recent account of that battle, written by Col. Samuel Sweet, A. 
M. the o.mv ig hviorib:? testimony of the military prowess of 
Capt. John Ford, is selected. 

The enemy were by this time organized anew, and were again ad- 
vancing to the attack. Putnam's duty called him to the lines. At this 
time Capt. Ford appeared with his company. He served in a regiment 
under the veteran Lt. Col. Parker and Maj. Brooks. Of them he had 
learned the duties of a Soldier. He had already signalized himself at 
Lexington battle, by killing five of the enemy. His orders were to pro. 
reed to the lines and reinforce the troops. He obeyed, marched uncon. 
< erned across the neck and was proceeding down Bunker Hill, when 
Putnam was delighted with an aid so opportune. Callender's deserted 
cannon were at the foot of the hill. He ordered Capt. Ford with his 
company to draw them into the lines. The Captain remonstrated, " that 
his company vere totally ignorant of the discipline and employment of 
artillery, ('many of whom had never Been a cannon before") But the 
General peremptorily persisting in his order, n<. obeyed. His company 
moved w.th the cannon, aid the general himself to the rail fence." 

Captain Ford on the day preceeding tie battle, volunteered his ser. 
-vice to Gen. Ward, to carr) orders from Cambridge to Bunker hill, par- 
ticularly to CalJender, who was wasting the little amunition he had by 
~n ineffectual fire at the distant enemy. He passed and repasied th 



181 

Aug. 1778, six men \vere draughted from the 
Militia, to go to Rhode Island, viz: — 
Oliver Bowers Josiah Fletcher Jesse Haywood 
John Dunn Levi Fletcher Wm. Spalding. 

Dr. John Betty went as a volunteer, and wascho* 
sen Clerk of the company commanded by Joseph B. 
Varnum. The above were draughted for six weeks, 
were in an engagement on Rhode Island — in v\incfa 
from Capt. J. B. Varnum's company, one was killed, 
two wounded, one missing. 

1779 — 16 men were engaged to go to Rhode 
Island for three months, viz: — James Marshall, 
Sim. n Parker, Ashbel Spalding, Josiah Parkhurst, 
Benja. Butterfield, John Byam, Joseph Haywood, 
Luke Bowers, Joseph Chambers, Wm. Chambers, 
John Keys, Simeon Spalding, Abel Chamberhn, 
Peter Farror. 

1780 — The militia officers were empowered bj 
the town to hire 15 men for the continental service, 
and the selectmen instructed to raise money and pro- 
duce, to pay them for 9 months service; and, 

Phineas Kidder, Peter Farror, Jacob Marshall, 
Robert Spalding, JNoah Foster, Henry Fletcher, 
Samuel V\ ilson, Jr. Pelatiah Adams, Thomas Huieij- 
ens, Jesse Stevens, John Keyes, Leonard Parker, 
Benja. Spalding, Joseph Warren, Jr. Robert Rich- 
ardson, were engaged. 

neck on horse-back, amidst the enemy on each side ; though his orders 
from the general were to leave his horse and walk over the neck to es^ 
cape the notice of the enemy. On the hill he spent some time it) ob» 
serving the motions of the enemy in Bo«ton, and having read their in- 
tention from their movement, he first called Col. Frescott's attention to 
them, pointed out to him the design of the enemy, the certainty oi their 
advance to the Hill, and the necessity of preparing to meet them by oast, 
ing up breast works, redoubts, k,c. Col. Prescott, who had flath red 
himself that the enemy would not leave Boston, was now fullj convin- 
ced of his error, and immediately set his troops to work. Capt. Ford 
returned to Gen. Ward at Cambridge, communicated his convictions 
and impressions. The next morning realized to him his fears. While 
the troops were tardy in preparing to march on to t e hill, Capt. Ford 
obtained permission from the General, to withdraw his company private 
ly and march directly to the scene of action, to rein! iree the troops. — 
He arrived in season to take an active part in the achievments of tha« 
lorious day. Appendix to the life of J'utiuim — page 236. 



182 



A list of those, who were detached from the mili- 
ifa and formed a part of the army of General Lin- 
coln, in the memorable expedition through the coun- 
ties of Worcester and Berkshire, to suppress the in- 
surrection in 1786, commonly known by the name of 
the Shays insurrection. The company formed 
from this and the neighboring towns, was comman- 
ded by Capt (now Col.) James Varnum, of Dracut. 



1 Lt. Daniel Procter 

2 Lt. Abel Adams 
Benj. Butterfield, Jr. 
Oliver Perham 
Silas Parker 
Oliver Cory 
Jeremiah Warren 
Zebulon Spalding, Jr. 
Oliver Adams 
Benja. Adams 
Reuben Goold, Jr, 
John Mc Clenny 
Aaron Spalding 



John Butterfield 
Joseph Emerson, Jr, 
Timothy Howard 
Jesse Stevens 
Henry Spalding, Jr. 
Thomas Chamberlin 
Samuel Stevens 
James Parkhurst 
John Farmer 
Willard Marshall 
Abel Marshall 
Amost Prescott 
Levi Spalding 



In the " fourth Indian war, commonly called the 
three years war, or Lovell's war," snow shoe com- 
panies were raised in all the towns lying upon Mer- 
rimack river. These companies were minute men, 
cquipt with snow shoes and fire arms &c. holding 
themselves in readiness to go oh scouting parties in 
pursuit of the Indians at the moment of alarm. 

The following eonstituted the snow shoe compa- 
ny in Chelmsford in 1724; under the command of 
Capt. Robert Richardson and Lieut. Robert Park- 
er, in one of the years during Lovell's war. 



Paul Fletcher 
Sam'l Fletcher 
Joseph Keyes 
Henry Stevens 
Robert Peirce 
Josiah Spalding 
Zacharias Richardson 



Nathan Proctor 
Matthias Cowdrey 
John Proctor jun. 
Benj. Robbins 
John Butterfield 
James Burn 
Benj. Chamberlin 
^Sce Belknap's His. of N. Ham. Vol. 2—p. 43. 



J 83 

Benj'. Goold Edward Foster 

Moses Graves Benj. Parker 

Timothy Spaulding John Spanieling 

Phincas Spaulding John Cory 

Joseph Underwood Jona. IFildrcth 

Jacob Blodget Josiah Birge 

Ebcnezer Parker Simon Rummery 

Joseph Warren, jun. Daniel Blodget 

Jonathan Parker Henry Spaulding 

Joseph Fletcher Jona. Cummings 

Jonathan Spalding Thomas Reed 

.James Kidder Joseph Foster. 
Ezekiel Keyes 

William Dummer, Esq. Lieut. Governor and Commander 
in Chief in and over his Majesty's province of Massachusetts Bay 
in New-England. 

To Joseph Parker, Gent. — greeting. 

By virtue of the power and authority in and by 
his Majesty's commission to me granted, to be Lieu 
tenant Governor, &c. I do by these presents, re 
posing especial trust and confidence in your loyalty, 
courage and good conduct, constitute and appoint 
you the said Joseph Parker to be Lieutenant of a 
company of snow-shoe- men, and of those that are ap- 
pointed to be in readiness to issue out against the In- 
dian enemy and rebels upon any alarm or attack ; 
whereof Robert Richardson is Captain, in the regi- 
ment of Militia in the county of Middlesex, whereof 
Eleazer Tyng, Esq. is Colonel. 1l ou are therefore 
diligently and faithfully to discharge the dutie9 of a 
Lieutenant, &c. 

Given under my hand and seal at arms at Boston, 
5th day Feb. in the Eleventh year of the reign of 
his Majesty, King George A. L). 1724. 

WM. DUMMER. 



184 
NO. XIII. 

'Census taken at sundry times exhibiting the increase of popula- 
tion from 1741 to 1816. 



re 


Si- 
re - 


*3 
rtJ 

3 


re - 
en 

3 
3 

a, 
re 
►5 

(33 


^3 

3 

es 

3 

a- 

re 

"S 

OS 


P 

a- 
o 

< 

CD 
P 


o 
< 

0) 


!2J 
ro 

crq 
"1 
o 
re 
ca 


re 

3 

Si- 
re 


S3 

o 
2 

in 

re 


3. 
re' 

en 


Total. 
Residents. 


1741 


415 


438 


















85S 


1764 


470 


534 


224 


227 2< 


304 


7 


4 


133 


176 


1012 


By act of 


















Fr. Boston & 


Conn. 




















Chad 


Bstown. 


1776 


319 10 










3 






106 1341 


By re 


solve 


of 




















Cont 


ress. 






















1790 ' 


569 


572 


333 




327 










209 


1144 


1800 






















1290 


1810 


693 


693 


108 


125 


570 


593 










1396 


1816 


















240 


280 


1400 


1820 






















1450 



The cause of the decrease in the population of the town 
from 1 776 to 1 790 is to be found in the separation of sun- 
dry families from Chelmsford to form the District of Car- 
lisle. 



185 

NO. XIV. 

A BILL OF MORTALITY, 

Exhibiting the number of deaths in each year, from 1 742 to 1816, 

Years | Deaths | Yrs. | Deaths | Yrs. | Deathi | Yrs. | Deaths. 

1742 26 1764 27 1786 18 1808 19 

3 15 5 10 7 20 9 17 

4 8 6 16 8 9 1810 23 

5 16 7 15 9 10 11 17 

6 22 8 17 1790 22 12 23 

7 28 915 118 1316 

8 12 1770 16 . 2 19 14 13 

9 28 1 25 3 9 15 16 
i750 9 2 21 4 10 — 



16 3 23 5 16 1330 

2 25 4 13 6 10 

3 18 5 52 7 13 Instances of longevity. 

4 30 6 24 8 9 Mrs. Dorethy V/il- 

5 19 7 19 9 10 , 1 i *™ s - die<, ' Fe l b - 1I » 

6 32 8 35 1800 6 SliSbeth s™7» 

7 23 9 11 1 19 ture, died aped 98- 

8 19 1780 6 2 1 2 4 mo - A P- 17, 1780. 
o oo 1 oi o K Mrs. Memm Proc- 
* -^ 1 21 «i *3 ter, died aped 99— 

1760 22 2 11 4 1 9 Mrs. Bethiah Proc- 

117 3 14 5 19 tor, died Jan. 2, 



2 17 4 16 6 25 1812>ased9r ' 

3 18 5 23 7 15 



1-36 
NO. XV. 

Attorneys and Counsellor's at Law. 

Came to town. 

1772, Steven Scales from Boston, A. M. Har. Univ. Gradl 
1763, Died Nov. 5, 1772*. 

1773, Jona. Williams Austin, A. M. Har. Univ. Grad. 
1 769 — was Capt. of the first company of militia — 
"went into the army in 1775 or 6 where He was pro- 
moted to a Maj. and afterwards to a Col. — died in 
the army at the southward. 

1773, John Wythe, A. M. Har. Univcr. Grad. 1760, stud- 
ied divinity and preached a few years — directed his 
attention to jurisprudence — removed to Lexington, 
thence to Cambridge, where lie died. 

* The lomb-stone of Mr. Scales con Jains the only history of him, with- 
in onr knowledge — It bears honorable testimony to the powers of his 
ruind and good qualities of his heart. We transcribe it with a view tc 
preserve the memory of one, of whom the world was not worthy, and 
y.hose sudden and early fate seems to have excited the grief of n?any: 

Sepulchrum indicat hie lapis 
Stephani Scales, A. M. 
Collegii Harvardini olim alumni 
ci ejusdem nuper Tutoris ; 
lngenii cujus accumen, 
viilutes exemiae 
et diligentia pariter singulayes \ • . 
Famam ejus et honorem 
Plus, plusque indies amplificarunf- 
Juris prudential studio dictatus, 
toto animo incumbuit 
et multum proficit ; 
rubeolis dum laboravit 
e vivis direpente correptus est 
quinto Novembris 
anno salutis humanaS 1772 
Etatis 31. 

4 O mi amice/ 
"Vitre summa brevis — spem nos 
vitat inchohare longam; 
j am te premit nox. 



1706, Sanrl Dexter, A.M. L. L. D, Grad. I Jar. Univ. 
1781, llcrum pub. fed. Senator, Milit. et Thesau, 
Secret. A. A. S.. Removed to Charlestown — Died 
in the state of New- York, 1816. 
1800, Asahcl Stearns, A. M. Har. Univ. Grad. 1707 : ol- 
fice at Pawtucketr falls, 1814 chosen Representa- 
tive to the 1 4th Congress of the United States — 
1815 removed to Charlestown; 1818, Chosen 
College professor of Law in Harv. University, 
Cambridge. 
1809, Joel Adams, A. M. Har. Univer. Grad. 1 805. 
1813, NatlTl Wright, A. M. Har. Univ. Grad. 1808. 

NO. XVI. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Commenced 
Practice. 

1740, Doct. Anthony Emery, A. M. Har. Univ. 1736, 

1748, Doct. Samuel King, from Littleton, — removed 
to Chesterfield, N. H. 

1765, Doct. Jonas Marshall, removed to Fitchburg, 
Feb. 1783. 

1772, Doct. Nehemiah Abbott from Andover, died Jur 
ly 13, 1785. 

1 776, Doct. Walter Hastings, A. M. Grad. Harv. Univ. 
1771, Obt. Dec. 2, 1782, Mu 30. 

1782, Doct. Timothy Harrington son of Rev. Mr. 
Harrington, of Lancaster, A. M. Harv. Univ. 
S(*4l P 1 776, Un, m, 1 802, Ex. 48. " He was a 
regular bred physician, esteemed in his profes- 
sion, peaceable, compassionate and hospitable." 

1 792, Doct. John Betty, a native of the town. 

1792, Doct. Ichabod Gibson, from Lunenburg — died 
May 10, 1810. 

1 802, Doct. Matthias Spalding, a native of Chelmsford, 
A. M. Harv. Univ. 1798, Grad. Socius, IV* ed. 
Societate, Nco Hantonicnsis, et Vice Prasses, 
et Praeses Media Societate. Removed to Am- 
herst, N. H. 1805. 

1807, Doct. Oliver Scripture from New- Ipswich, N. H. 
approbated by the sensors of Mass. Med. Soe. 
1816— Removed to Hollis,N. H. May 1 818. 



188 

1805, Rufus Wyman from Woburn, A. M. tf3rv. Univ. 
1799. M. D. M. M. S. et A. A. Soc. 
In the beginning of the year 1818 he received the 
appointment of Superintendent and Physician 
of the Asylum for the Insane in Charlestown, 
to which he removed July 20, and was succeed- 
ed April 25th 1818 by Doct. John C. Dalton, 
A. M.Harv. Univ. 1814— M. D. 

NO. XVII. 

A Catalogue of Graduates born in Chelmsford. 
Samson Stoddard, Son of the Rev. S. Stoddard, Crad, 
Hnrv. Univ. 1730, Obit. 1777, JEt. 68. 
Samson Spalding. Grad. Harv. Univ. 1 732, settled in 

the ministry at Tewksbury. 
Oliver Fletcher, Grad. Harv. Univ. 1 735, lived in Chelms- 
ford, was employed many years as an 
Instructor of youth — He was commis- 
sioned as a Justice of the peace — and suc- 
cessively chosen to the office of Town- 
Clerk, assessor and selectman. His piety 
and integrity gave him great ascendancy 
over his fellow" townsmen, and ^secured 
their esteem and ^confidence. He died 
Dec. 3. 1771, Mt. 64. 
Gideon Richardson,* Son of Jnsiah R. Grad. Harv. Univ. 
1749, -vas settled ' \e ministry, at 
Wells, Me. Feb. 1'. -4. Born June 5, 
1730. 
Samson Stoddard, Son of Samson Stoddard, Esq. Grad. 
Harv. Univ. 1 763, was a schoolmaster 
and Justice of the peace, and Major in 
the Militia. Obit. 1779, JEt. 38. 
Ebertr Bridge, Son of Rev. E. Bridge, Grad. Harv. Univ* 

1764. Obit. 1814, &t. 70. 
Vryling Stoddard, Son of Samson Stoddard, Esq. Grad. 
Harv. Univ. 1765, became an emi- 
inent instructor of youth in this place, 
died suddenly, May 8, 1 779, JEt. 32. 
Oliver Barron, Son of Oliver Barron, Esq. Grad. Harv. 
Univ. 1 788, was a physician in England, died in 
in the Isle of Man, 1809. 
Sudbury also claims the honor of his birtb. 



189 

Jnd\c. Beathe, Son of Wm. 13. Grad.Harv. Univ. 1795, or- 
dained at Salisbury, N. II. June 28, 1797 — 
died 1801. 
Matthias Spalding, Son of Col. Simeon Spalding, Grad. 

Harv. Univ. 1 799. 
Walter Hastings, Son ofDoct. W. Hastings, Grad. Harv. 
Univ. 1799, Counsellor at Law, Towns* 
end. 
Benoni Perham, Son of Sam'l P. Grad. Harv. Univ. 1800, 
was an attorney at Law in the city of 
Baltimore obit. May 14,1814, Mt. 26. 
Joel Adams, Son of Capt. Timothy Adams, Grad. Harv. 
Univ. 180.5, Counsellor at Law, Chelmsford. 
Hosea IJildreth, Son of Timothy H. Grad. Harv. Univ. 
1805, Prof, of Math, and Nat. Philosophy 
in Exeter Academy, N. H. 
John Parkhurst, Son of Sana'l P. Grad. Harv. Univ. 1811, 
ordained over a Baptist church and so* 
ciety in New-Ipswich, N. H. 1814. 
Alpheus Spring Packard, Son of Rev. H. Packard, born 
Dec. 23, 1798, Grad. Bod. Col- 
lege, 1816. 
Charles Packard, Son of Rev. Hez. Packard, Grad. Hapv . 
J3*-VCol. i8i>: 
JohnMinot Fiske, Grad. Harv. Univ. 1814, attorney at Law, 
Boston, 
John Richardson Adams, SonofWm. Adams, Esq. A. B. 
Han _ T niv. 1816, student of Law. 

NO. XVIII. 

Charitable Contributions, from 1742. 
If one member suffer, all the members suffer with it. 

For Mr. Richard Gookin, of Dedham, whose house has, 
been burnt. — Recommended as an object of charity by let- 
ter from Rev. Mr. Baxter, of Mansfield", and Rev. Mr. Dextet 
of Dedham, April 8, 1 742, being fast day, was collected 

11/. 2*. Id. 

For Saml. Woods, lately of this town, having lost his sub- 
stance by fire — Dec. 11,1 743, was collected 16/. 

For Hannah Shed, in this town, though not properly an 
inhabitant, being sick and destitute, wascollected April 12, 
1744 r 9/. 



For Rev. Daniel Emerson, whose house and substance 
were consumed by fire, June 28, 1 744. 9/. 1 2s. 

For Daniel Raymond, of Concord, whose son was wound- 
ed by a loaded sled running over his leg, and is languishing, 
was collected Jan. 13, 1745 9/. 1 1*. 2d. 

For Jacob Pierce, brought into indigent circumstances by 
long sickness, was collected Jan. 19, 1746 — 9/. 14s. 6d. — In 
grain, 5/. 5s. 14/. 19s. 6 d. 

For Zackery Keyes, inhabitant of this town, whose house 
and substance were consumed by lire, April 7, 1 748, was col- 
lected in money — 40/. 15s. — in necessaries, 10/ 13s — for his 
mother, 1/ lis. 52/. 19s. 

For David Woodwell, of New Hopkinton, and Jona. Bur- 
bank of Penecook, to assist them to go to Canada, to attempt 
the redemption of the Daughter of said Woodwell, and the 
Brother of said Burbank, captivated at New Hopkinton by 
the Indians in April, 1 746, — Feb. 5, 1 749, was collected 43/. 
8s. to be equally divided between them. 

For Henry R ichardson of Pelham, New-Hampshire, late- 
ly of this town, whose house & all in it was consumed by fire, 
with two persons, his own son, who got out alive but died in a 
few hours — and Jona. Wright of Dracut, a married man and 
father of 3 children, who was so consumed in the fire as thai 
a little part only of his body waS found ; 

Nov. 1, 1 750, was collected in money of the 

old tenor, 19/. 3 3 

Besides several notes not > ) In Grain 27 

specifying any thing — but )» For the widow 
promising something. J Wright in Grain 1 15 

Judged about 50/. in all, old tenor. r 

47 13 3 

For Joseph Chambcrlin, whose wife and son are at Groton 
distracted; May 10, 1752 was collected 38 2 

jawful money, 

For James Kidder of this town, whose substance was con- 
sumed by fire. On July 14, 1 754 was collected in money 

23/. 16 
Labor 
Notes 
Rye 

Indian Corn 
Flax 

jbum total pld tenor, 41/. 3 



6 


15 





4 


15 


0. 


o 
O 


10 





o 


5 
3 





101 

"Fore the sufferers by the late great and terrible lire in' Bos-- 
ton, April 13, 17G0— old tenor 13G/. C 

In lawful money 18/. 3 5 

For Mary Keyes, widow, who hath been visited with the 
small pox ; she and her son had it. : her son died : she was 
3t great cxpcncc. Apr. 1-2, 1 761, was collected 

In Cash, 62/. 11 3 

Ingrain, 4 2 6 

Lawful Money 3/. 17 10-2 
66/. 14 2 
For Jacob Wendell of this town whose potash house with 
bis works were consumeded by firc.Ocfober. 8,1 767, was col- 
lected for him in Cash old tenor, 55/. 
In erain, meat, labour, &e. 1 7 



■ &' 



72/. 
For David Kidder, who lost a cow > 9/. 1 2 lawful 
and hog that were fatting, December) money. 

1767 was collected 61. 6 7 3 lawful money. 

For the widow Rebecca Dutton and her children, who 
have suffered by fire. Nov. 4, 1 770 : 0/. 1 4 2 

lawful money. 

Edward Raymond of Athol, late of this town, who lost his 
house and furniture by fire : June 23, 1 771 collected lawful 
money 6/. 5 1 1 

For Sam'lHutchins, a young man, late of this town, now 
of Temple in N. Hampshire, he was building a new house^ 
which wa3 almost finis-hed, when it took lire and was con- 
sumed, collected in cash 39/. os. old tenor, lawful mon- 
ey 5/. 4*. Sd. was collected in cash 4/. lawful money. 

For Abner Herrick, whose wife was sick and died. Nov.. 
5, 1789 was collected in cash 4/. lawful money. 

For Steven Spalding of Sharon, N. H. reduced to straits 
by long sickness. April 1305, was collected the sum of $20. 

For Eldad Proctor whose house had been burnt, was col- 
lected July 7, 1805. $16 22. 

For Thomas Hildreth, reduced by fire, Oct. 3, 1805 was 
collected $23 11. 

For propagating the gospel in India, Sept. 22, 1806, was 
collected the sum of $11 11. For do. 1319 $14. 
• For Mr. Reed of Stoddard, who passing through town 
from market, broke his leg and was confined here : Dec. 18, 
1814, was collected $30. 

1811, For the sufferers at Newburyport by the. great 
Bre were collected $172 40. 



1 92 



1814, Was made a collection for the sufferers by fire 
at Portsmouth of $188 75. 

1820, For propagating the gospel among the heathen; 
was collected. $14 00 

NO. XIX. 

Original names of Hills, Siva-nips, Meadows, Brooks 9 
Ponds and Bridges. 

HILLS. 

Nashoba, Kisacook, Rail-Tree, Robin's Bear Hill, Pine Hill, Francis' 
Hill, Rattle Snake Hill, Saw-pit Hill. 

SWAMPS. 

Great Tadmuck, Little Tadmuck, Poplar Swamp, Great Swamps 
Bear Swamp 

meadows: 

Providence Meadow, Smooth M. Flushing M. Snake M. East M. Crane 
M. Flaggy M. Tobacco M. Pond M. Mole Hill M. River M.Virginia M. 
40 Acre M Gulden Cove M. 

BROOKS. 

Deep Brook, Vine Brook, Farley's B. George's B. Speen's B. Eas{ 
Meadow B. Great Brook, or Mill Brook, Beaver Brook, Black B. Ston- 
ey B. River Meadow B. Crooked Springs. 

PLAINS. 

Merrimack Plain, Carolina Plain. 

PONDS. 

Heart Pond, Newfield Pond, Long-saught-for Pond, Flushing Pond, 
Nubanussuck Pond, Birges' Pond, Keyes 1 Pond. 

BRIDGES. 

Poor Man's Bridge, Cross Bridge, Andrew's Bridge, Stoney Brook 
Bridge, Upper and Lower Middlesex Merrimack B. Middlesex Canal, 
No's. 1, 2, 3,4. Oeep Brook Bridge. 



rx JJrfK.ww.-.sai 



BJtRATm. 

Page 1, 3d line from the bottom, for " Higgimon" read Higginson. — 
Page 28, 3d line from bottom for " reducing" read redeeming. —Page 70 
and 71 for " Loami" read Loammi. — Page 80, 11th line iron, bottom, 
for lt submission" read dismission. — Page 87, 9th line from bottom, for 
*' impressed" read impaired — I age 99, 4th line from bottom, for "parint?* 
read parent. — P;tge 102, l6ih line from bottom, for "Elisha, 1 * t( ad Joshua. 
Page 119, bottom line, f r " Edicii 8 " read Ecclesiis— -Page 123, 5th line 
from the top, insert Olive before " Plani". — ^age 139, 13th line from top, 
for "sepultrial" read sepulchral. — Page 158, 5th line from top, for "Na- 
amkuk" read Naamkeek. 



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